Biochemical Changes in Wistar Rats on Oral Doses of Mistletoe (Loranthus micranthus)

Problem statement: To evaluate the effects of the water extract of the leaves of mistletoe (Loranthus micranthus) (traditionally used antidiabetic and antihypertensive) in male albino Wistar rats. Approach: The animals were divided into 4 groups (n = 6). Water extract of L. micranthus leaves was administered in graded doses of 0, 275, 551 and 827 mg kg^-1 body weight (wt) of experimental animals for 21days. Blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture. The serum harvested was analyzed for some biochemical parameters, using assay kits. Results: There were no significant changes (p>0.05) in the levels of cholesterol, bilirubin, glucose, protein, urea, alkaline phosphatase and Aspartate Transaminase (AST). Alanine Transaminase (ALT) activities of the groups rats given 551 and 827 mg kg^-1 body weight extracts (15.96 and 14.24 U L^-1 respectively) showed significant decreases (p<0.05) when compared with the control (24.96 U L^-1) and the group fed 275 mg kg-1 body weight of extract (16.19U L^-1). Computed ALT/AST showed decreases in the test groups (0.77-0.78) when compared with the control (1.04). Conclusion: The results suggested no adverse biochemical changes being associated with the use of the extract or absence of hepatocellular damage at the investigated concentrations. Thus the use of the plant in the treatment and management of diabetes and hypertension should be encouraged.