EFFECTS OF MANIHOT ESCULENTA LEAF EXTRACT ON THE LIVER LEVELS OF TOTAL PROTEIN IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-TREATED RATS
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Diabetes mellitus, particularly when induced by streptozotocin (STZ), is associated with β-cell destruction, hyperglycemia, protein catabolism, and impaired liver function, leading to metabolic imbalance and tissue damage. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Manihot esculenta (cassava) leaf extract on liver protein levels, glycemic control, and metabolic outcomes in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Thirty Wistar rats were randomly assigned into basal control, diabetic control, metformin-treated, and cassava leaf extract-treated groups (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg). Diabetes was induced with a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (55 mg/kg), and treatment was administered for 28 days. Biochemical indices, liver protein concentration, fasting blood sugar (FBS), and body weight were monitored, while data were analyzed using Two-way ANOVA. Results showed that STZ significantly reduced hepatic total protein, induced sustained hyperglycemia (up to 556.6 ± 6.1 mg/dL), and caused severe weight loss in diabetic control rats. Treatment with cassava leaf extract, particularly at 400 mg/kg, restored total protein levels to near-normal values, reduced FBS from 482.0 ± 22.3 mg/dL (day 1) to 84.6 ± 5.9 mg/dL (day 28), and stabilized body weight, producing effects comparable to metformin. These benefits are attributable to bioactive compounds in cassava leaves that enhance protein biosynthesis, protect β-cells, and improve hepatic function through antioxidant and insulin-sensitizing mechanisms. In conclusion, Manihot esculenta leaf extract exhibits significant hepatoprotective and antihyperglycemic properties in diabetic conditions, validating its ethnomedicinal use and supporting its potential as a natural therapeutic adjunct in diabetes management. It is recommended that further research isolate and characterize its active compounds, conduct toxicity profiling, and perform clinical trials to confirm its safety and efficacy in humans.
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