Proximate Analysis and Effect of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Luffa aegyptiaca on Some Biochemical, Hematological Parameters and Histology of The Liver and Kidney of Alloxan-Induced Type 1 Diabetes in Rats

Jenny Oghenenyoreme Alerubo 1
1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

International Journal of Health Systems Science and Technology (IJHSST)
Volume 1, Issue 1, Pages 10 - 35
Published: 24 June 2025

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Abstract

This research investigated the nutritional components of leaves of Luffa aegyptiaca (sponge gourd) and the effects of its aqueous leaf extract on serum lipid profile, serum liver markers, serum renal indices, blood glucose level, some hematological indices and histology of the liver and kidney of male wistar rats induced with alloxan at 150mg/kg. The result of the proximate composition revealed a high value of carbohydrate (47.89%). A total of 45 rats with weight range of 80-155g were used for this study and were randomly divided into six groups where group 1 served as normal control (those not induced and not treated), group 2 served as diabetic control (those induced but not treated), group 3,4 and 5 were administered 100, 200 and 300mg/kg b.w aqueous leaf extract of Luffa aegyptiaca extract respectively (those induced and treated with plant extract) and group 6 were treated with 100mg/kg b.w. of metformin (those induced and treated with the standard diabetic drug). The result revealed that there was a significant (p<0.05) decrease in AST and ALT activities in extract treated groups when compared with the diabetic control. However, there was a significant (p<0.05) increase in total protein concentration in the extract treated groups when compared with the diabetic control. Furthermore, there was a significant (p<0.05) decrease in urea and creatinine concentrations in all extract treated groups when compared with the diabetic control. Similarly, bicarbonate levels were significantly (p<0.05) decreased in all extract treated groups when compared with the diabetic control. More so, total cholesterol and high density lipoprotein levels showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in all extract treated groups when compared with the diabetic control. Similarly, low density lipoprotein levels were significantly (p<0.05) decreased in all extract treated groups when compared with the diabetic control. Furthermore, the results of the Packed cell volume and Hemoglobin levels showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in all extract treated groups when compared with the diabetic control. However, mean cell volume levels were significantly (p<0.05) decreased in extract treated groups when compared with the diabetic control. Moreover, there was a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the blood glucose level in all extract treated group when compared to the diabetic control. Furthermore, the histology of the liver and kidney of treated groups showed that aqueous leaf extract of Luffa aegyptiaca ameliorated the damage caused by alloxan on the organs. In conclusion, the administration of aqueous leaf extract of Luffa aegyptiaca mitigated the level of damage induced by alloxan in male wistar rats.

Keywords:
Luffa aegyptiaca sponge gourd diabetes glycemic control antioxidant phytochemical composition
APA Referencing Format

Alerubo, J. O. (2025). Proximate Analysis and Effect of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Luffa aegyptiaca on Some Biochemical, Hematological Parameters and Histology of The Liver and Kidney of Alloxan-Induced Type 1 Diabetes in Rats. International Journal of Sustainable Technology, Environmental Sciences and Conservation (IJSTESC), 1(1), 10-35.

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