Effect of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Gongronema Latifolium on Serum Bilirubin and Total Protein of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats Exposed to Sodium Arsenite

Diabetes, one of the leading cause of death worldwide is a metabolic disorder of
carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism associated with high risk of cardiovascular
disease (CVD), liver damage and blindness. The increasing preference for the use of
herbal remedies over conventional medications may be attached to the efficacies of
the active ingredients present in them. Gongronema latifolium (GL) is medicinal plant
with antidiabetic, antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities. This study investigated
the effect of GL on serum bilirubin and total protein of streptozotocin-induced
diabetic Wistar rats exposed to sodium arsenite (SA). A total of 28 male Wistar rats
(80-120g) were divided into 7 groups of 4 animals each. Groups 1, 2 and 3 served as
normal control (NC), diabetic control (DC) and diabetic exposed to SA (DSA)
respectively. Group 4 and 5 were diabetic treated with 200mg/kg b.w of GL (orally)
and 5units/kg b.w insulin (intraperitoneally) respectively. Group 6 was diabetic
treated with 200mg/kg b.w of GL and exposed to 5mg/kg b.w SA on the 28th.day.
Group 7 was diabetic treated with 5units/kg b.w insulin and exposed to 5mg/kg b.w
SA on the 28th.day. Treatment lasted for 28 days after which the animals were
sacrificed and blood collected for analysis. Biochemical parameters were analyzed
using standard methods. Results from the study revealed that GL extract exhibited
significant (p