Effect of crude aqueous leaves extract of <i>Bryophyllum Pinnatum</i> on antioxidant status, blood glucose, lipid profile, liver and renal function indices in albino rats

Abstract

Bryophyllum pinnatum is an important enthnomedicinal plant. The study assessed the effect of crude aqueous leaves extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum (CALEBP) on fasting plasma glucose (FPG), antioxidant status, lipid profile, liver and renal function indices in albino rats. The rats were housed under standard laboratory conditions (12h light: 12h dark photoperiod), 23± 2 ºC and were given rat pellets and tap water ad libitum. Twenty four rats weighing 190-232g were randomized into four groups (A-D) of six rats each. Group A (control) received normal feed and water only. Groups B, C and D received orally 180, 360 and 540 mg/kg body weight respectively of CALEBP for 28 days. Serum aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), superoxide dismutase, catalase, FPG, lipid profile, urea, creatinine, bilirubin, proteins, malondialdehyde, glutathione (GSH) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and electrolytes were assessed by standard methods. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Groups C and D had significantly lower FPG (p = 0.030; p = 0.01) and higher ALP (p = 0.01; p = 0.001) compared to the controls. Group D had significantly lower creatinine (p = 0.03) and K⁺ (p = 0.02) compared to control. Group B, C and D had significantly lower GSH (p = 0.020, p = 0.000 and p = 0.000) while group B had significantly higher TAC (p = 0.04) compared to the controls. Dosage of extracts correlated positively with ALP (r = 0.705, p = 0.000) and negatively with FPG (r = -0.603, p = 0.002), K⁺ (r = -0.563, p = 0.004), creatinine (r = -0.464, p = 0.022) and GSH (r = -0.786, p = 0.000). Bryophyllum pinnatum aqueous leaves extract could lower blood glucose, potassium and creatinine  levels and may increase ALP activity and GSH depletion in high doses.

Keywords: Bryophyllum pinnatum, aqueous leaf extract, dosage, effect assessment, Albino rats