EFFECTS OF MANIHOT ESCULENTA LEAF ON THE LIVER LEVELS OF TOTAL BILIRUBIN IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-TREATED RATS.

Diabetes mellitus is associated with oxidative stress and liver dysfunction, leading to alterations in bilirubin metabolism. This study evaluated the effects of Manihot esculenta leaf extract on liver total bilirubin levels in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Thirty-six male albino rats were divided into six groups: basal control, positive control (STZ + 100 mg/kg metformin), negative control (STZ only), and three treatment groups receiving STZ plus M. esculenta leaf extract at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, respectively, for 28 days. Liver total bilirubin concentrations were measured spectrophotometrically. Results showed that STZ administration significantly reduced bilirubin levels compared with the basal control (0.518 ± 0.036 vs. 0.902 ± 0.018 mg/dL). Treatment with M. esculenta extract produced dose-dependent increases, with significant improvements at 200 mg/kg (0.660 ± 0.044) and 400 mg/kg (0.757 ± 0.032), approaching values observed in the metformin group (0.839 ± 0.030). The 100 mg/kg dose produced a mild, non-significant increase. These findings demonstrate that M. esculenta leaf extract ameliorates STZ-induced hepatic dysfunction and preserves bilirubin metabolism, likely through its antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. The study concludes that M. esculenta may serve as a potential natural therapeutic agent for managing diabetes-associated liver complications. Keywords: Manihot esculenta, total bilirubin, streptozotocin, diabetes, liver function, hepatoprotection.