Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Prosopis farcta Pod on Liver Histopathology and Malondialdehyde Level in Streptozotocin Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Aims: Diabetes is a common endocrine disorder that can lead to hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of pod Prosopis fracta, on liver histopathology and tissue level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Materials & Methods: 45 male Wistar rats (200-300g) were divided into 3 groups; control, diabetic and Prosopis farcta extract treated diabetic. Type 1 diabetes was induced in by injection of streptozotocin (42mg/kg). One week after diabetes induction, Prosopis farcta extract (300mg/kg of body weight) was administered to treated diabetic group by gavage for 30 days. Hepatic histological changes were assessed with Hematoxylin-Eosin staining under light microscopy. The liver concentration of MDA was determined as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). The obtained data were statistically analyzed using Students T and Mann-Whitney rank sum tests. Findings: Administration of Prosopis fracta extract decreased the concentration of malondialdehyde in liver tissue of treated diabetic group in comparison to diabetic group significantly (p<0.05). Inflation and vacuolation of hepatocytes were observed with disarrangement of hepatic cords and sinusoidal narrowing. All previous signs were improved in Prosopis fracta treated group. Conclusion: Hydro-alcoholic extract of Prosopis fracta pod can reduce the level of malondialdehyde as a marker of lipid peroxidation in liver and prevent the histopathological changes of liver associated with diabetes.