Effect of Senna and Radish Extracts on Hepatic Function in High Fat Diet Fed and Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Hyperlipidaemia and diabetes are widely associated with liver injury. Senna and radish leaves have been reported to possess anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, and anti-hyperlipidemic activities. However, there is not enough information of these herbal medicines on hepatic function of rats with metabolic disorders. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to screen herbal extracts of senna and radish leaves on hepatic function in high fat fed and diabetic rats.

Qualitative phytochemical investigation was done as per standard procedures. Quantitative phytochemical investigation was done using gravimetric method and HPLC analysis. Sprague–Dawley rats were fed on their respective diet (high fat/ normal pellet diet) for 16 weeks and thereafter, all the rats were divided into seven groups for high fat diet model and into eight groups for streptozotocin and high fat diet-induced diabetes model. Treatment duration was 07 weeks for high fat diet models and 03 weeks for diabetes model. Parameters studied in these models were body weight, food intake, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, liver weight and liver histopathology. Qualitative phytochemical investigation revealed the presence of flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, carbohydrates and saponins, while quantitative analysis revealed presence of rutin and myricetin in radish extract and presence of sennoside and rutin in senna extract. Treatment groups showed significant decrease in body weight, food intake, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. Significant improvement was observed in liver histopathology in extract treated groups. It is concluded that senna and radish leaf extracts significantly ameliorated liver function.

Keywords: Diabetes, High fat diet, Hepatic, Senna, Radish