African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 6 (15), pp. 1744-1749, 6 August 2007   

ISSN 1684–5315 © 2007 Academic Journals        

Full Length Research Paper

Protective role of Phyllantus niruri extract on serum lipid profiles and oxidative stress in hepatocytes of diabetic rats

Nwanjo, H. U. ¹, Oze, G.², Okafor, M. C.², Nwosu, D.¹ and Nwankpa, P.²

¹Department of Medical Lab. Science, Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State.

²Department of Medical Biochemistry, Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State.

*Corresponding authors E-mail: harrisonnwanjo@yahoo.co.uk. Tel: +234-8033525389.

Accepted 13 April, 2007

Diabetes mellitus has been associated with lipid abnormalities and oxidative stress. Some phytochemical properties have been shown to possess antioxidant activities, improving the effects of oxidative stress on diabetes. This present investigations confirmed that untreated diabetic rats were associated with lipid abnormalities as indicated by high levels of total- and LDL-cholesterol, triacylglycerols and low levels of HDL-cholesterol and phospholipids, compared to non-diabetic rats (control). The aqueous extract of Phyllanthus niruri significantly normalized the serum lipids levels. The study also showed that untreated diabetic rats were subjected to oxidative stress as indicated by significantly abnormal activities of their scavenging enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase and significantly low levels of non-enzymic antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E and reduced glutathione) in liver and plasma when compared with controls and in the extent of lipid peroxidation (increased malondialdehyde levels) in plasma and liver cells. The aqueous extract of P. niruri possessed antioxidant activities as shown by increased activities of enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants and decrease in malondialdehyde levels.

Key words: Oxidative stress, Phyllanthus niruri, lipids and hepatocytes.