Tetracarpidium Conophorum (African Walnut) Seeds Protects Against Diabetes-Induced Liver Damage in Rats Treated with Streptozotocin

Abstract

Introduction: This study evaluated the protective potential of Tetracarpidium conophorum seeds against liver damage in rats treated with a single intraperitoneal dose of 75 mg/kg/body weight of streptozotocin. Material and Methods: The rats were divided into five (n=5) groups: A - normal control, B - diabetic control, C - diabetic rats treated orally with a Tetracarpidium conophorum seeds extract (500 mg/kg/body weight), D - diabetic rats treated orally with 7 mg/kg/body weight of metformin and E - diabetic rats treated subcutaneously with 0.3 IU/kg/body weight of Humulin R. Treatment was done once daily for 2 weeks. A blood sample was collected for biochemical estimations. The liver and pancreas were also harvested for biochemi­cal/histological studies. Results: The blood glucose reduction percentage was 41%, 34%, and 36% in rats treated with Tetra­carpidium conophorum seeds, metformin and insulin, respectively. Tetracarpidium conophorum seeds significantly reduced (p<0.05) thiobarbituric reactive substances, serum transaminases, gamma-glutamyl transferase levels, and the percentage of hepatic fragmented DNA while it significantly decreased (p<0.05) glutathione levels and increased superoxide dismutase activity. Histological observations showed varying degrees of liver and pancreas damage in the diabetic group that was un­treated, while the administration of Tetracarpidium conophorum seeds significantly improved the general histoarchitecture of tissues relative to control group and other treatment groups. Conclusions: Tetracarpidium conophorum seeds possess good glycemic control of diabetes mellitus and protect the liver against oxidative damage induced by hyperglycemia.