Full Length Research Paper

Glucose tolerance test and some biochemical effect of Phyllanthus amarus aquoeus extacts on normaglycemic albino rats

D. B. James*, O. A. Owolabi, N. Elebo, S. Hassan and L. Odemene

Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: dbjams16187@yahoo.com. Tel.:+23408035881253.

Accepted 20 February, 2009

Aqueous extract of the whole plant of Phyllanthus amarus was assessed for some biochemical effect in albino rats. Oral administration of aqueous extract at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight shows that the extract promote glucose uptake. Daily administration of the extracts (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg bodyweight) for 14 days showed that the extract significantly (p < 0.05) reduced aspartate amino transferases (AST) and alanine amino transfarase (ALT) and urea at 100 mg/kg bodyweight when compared with other concentration doses and that of the control. However, significantly (p < 0.05) higher concentration of ALT was observed at 200 mg/kg body weight. Significant (p < 0.05) reduction for packed cell volume (PCV) and heamoglobin observed at 200 mg/kg body weight P. amarus was within the normal range. There was no significant (p > 0.05) change on the creatinine and triacyiglycerol (TAG) concentration for all the animal administered the extract compared with the control. The concentration of total cholesterol was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced for all the concentrations; the reduction was found to be dose dependant. The atherogenic index Log (TG/HDL-CH) of the animals showed no significant differences between tests and control. These findings may be of clinical importance to individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease. 

Key words: Phyllanthus amarus, aqueous extract, glucose tolerance, lipid profiles, transaminases.