Effect of some phytochemicals extracted from goat’s rue (Galega officinalis) on some biochemical parameters in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Abstract

Effects of saponin, tannins and glycoside isolated from aqueous extract of Galega officinalis on some biochemical parameters in alloxan-induced diabetic rats was examined in this study. Phytochemical screening of the aqueous extract of Galega officinalis showed it contains saponins, alkaloid, flavonoid, tannin, cardiac glycoside, phenol, resin, terpens and steroids, which were fractionated. 25 male rats weighing 180-200g were divided into 5 groups (i.e. A, B, C, D and E). Groups A, B respectively represent diabetic control and Normal control rats that were orally administered with distilled water while Groups C, D and E represent diabetic rats treated respectively with saponin, tannin and glycoside obtained from Galega officinalis to the dose of 400mg/kg body weight. The animals were treated for 21 days. Their blood was collected and analysed for blood glucose, Cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein concentrations and Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase activities (ALT). There was a significant decrease (p< 0.05) in blood glucose concentration for all the experimental animals administered with the phytochemicals when compared to the diabetic control rats. Total cholesterol, Triglyceride and low density lipoprotein levels also decreased significantly (p< 0.05) in the rats treated with the phytochemicals while High Density Lipoprotein concentration increased significantly in the animals. ALP, AST and ALT activities in the serum significantly decreased in all the rats that received the phytochemicals. Results obtained in this study shows that the tested phytochemicals at 400mg/kg body weight may be effective in the management of diabetes