Effects of Parkia biglobosa aqueous seed extract on some biochemical, haematological and histopathological parameters in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

Abstract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE\nParkia biglobosa seeds are used to treat diabetes and complications hence this study.\n\n\nAIM\nThis study investigated the effects of Parkia biglobosa aqueous seed extract on some biochemical, haematological and histopathological indices in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.\n\n\nMATERIALS AND METHODS\nWistar rats of either sex (180-300\u202fg) were fasted overnight and diabetes mellitus induced using streptozotocin 40\u202fmg/kg IP. Diabetes mellitus (fasting blood glucose ≥ 200\u202fmg/dl) was confirmed 48\u202fh later. The rats were randomly grouped into six groups (n\u202f=\u202f5): Group 1 (diabetic untreated control), group 2 (Parkia biglobosa 200\u202fmg/kg), group 3 (Parkia biglobosa 400\u202fmg/kg). group 4 (Parkia biglobosa 800\u202fmg/kg), group 5 (glibenclamide 5\u202fmg/kg as standard drug control) and group 6 (normoglycaemic control). They were treated daily. Acute toxicity study and phytochemical screening were also performed. Fourteen days later, they were sacrificed under chloroform anaesthesia. Vital organs (kidneys, liver and pancreas) and blood samples were obtained for histopathological, biochemical and haematological analysis.\n\n\nRESULTS\nParkia biglobosa aqueous seed extract at the various doses caused significant (P\u202f<\u202f0.05) elevations in red blood cell parameters in comparison to the diabetic control. The mean cell volume did not differ significantly from the diabetic control while 200\u202fmg/kg and 400\u202fmg/kg doses of the extract did not significantly modify the HCT levels. Treatment with Parkia biglobosa significantly (P\u202f<\u202f0.05) lowered white blood cell and platelet counts in comparison to the diabetic control. Liver enzymes and total bilirubin levels were significantly (P\u202f<\u202f0.05) reduced while total protein increased in the treated diabetic rats in comparison to controls. Treatment with Parkia biglobosa extract significantly (P\u202f<\u202f0.05) increased bicarbonate and sodium ion levels while decreasing potassium ion levels. Chloride levels were not significantly different from the diabetic control.\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nThese data suggest that Parkia biglobosa ameliorates biochemical, haematological and histopathological changes associated with diabetes mellitus.