The effect of aqueous ethanolic extract of Stachytarpheta cayennensis on the histology of the liver and fasting blood sugar of non-diabetic and diabetic wistar rats

Abstract

Thirty-two presumably healthy rats of both sexes weighing between 160g and 200g were used in this study. The rats were randomly distributed into four groups viz A, B, C and D each having eight rats. Type 1 Diabetes mellitus was induced in groups B and D by a single intraperitoneal dose of 65mg/kgbw of streptozotocin. Group A served as the normal control while Group B served as the diabetic control and both received daily oral doses of 0.4ml of normal saline. Groups B and D received daily oral doses of 250mg/kgb.w of Stachytarpheta cayennensis aqueous ethanolic leaf extract.This study aimed at validating the traditional claims of hypoglycaemic effect of the herb lasted for 21 days and thereafter the remaining rats were sacrificed and the liver dissected out for histological studies. Results showed that the plant material is capable of causing hypoglycaemia both in normal and diabetic rats. Liver histology showed congestion of the tissue in the diabetic control group and non-diabetic group treated with plant material. This is seen as sinusoidal engorgement and poorly defined outline of hepatocytes. Also observed in the study were proptosis, cervical lymphadenopathy, epistaxis, general malaise and passage of the loose stools in the groups treated with plant material. High mortality rate of over 50% were recorded mainly in the third week of study. It is therefore necessary to note that chronic administration of S. cayennensis may be deleterious to the body, its hypoglycaemic and antihyperglycaemic effects notwithstanding.