Abstract:
Background. The management of diabetes mellitus and its complications is increasingly becoming difficult as new type and subtypes are being discovered. There is, therefore, a continuous search for more effective drug agents for its management. In this work the aqueous extracts of leaves, stem-bark and root-bark of Nauclea latifolia were investigated for their effects on serum liver enzymes and serum electrolytes in streptozotocin- induced diabetic Wistar albino rats. Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were determined using assay kits (Randox laboratories, LTD, UK). Alkaline phosphatase level was estimated using kits from Teco Diagnostic Anaheim, United States of America. The electrolytes were analysed using Ion Selective Electrode
(ISE) Automated Analyser Machine (SFRI, 3000 model).
Results. The results showed significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the levels of aspartate
aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase by the Nauclea latifolia extracts. The diabetic rats treated with aqueous extracts of Nauclea latifolia had their sodium and potassium levels reduced non- significantly when compared with the diabetic control rats.
Conclusion. This plant demonstrates a potential for being used in clinical medicine for the
management of abnormally high levels of serum liver enzymes in diabetic patients.
