INFLUENCE OF CALOTROPIS PROCERA AQUEOUS LEAF EXTRACT ON HISTOLOGY AND MORPHOLOGY OF LIVER, KIDNEY AND RED BLOOD CELLS IN ALLOXAN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

Diabetes is becoming the third killer disease of mankind, after cancer and cardiovascular diseases because of its high prevalence, morbidity and mortality. Diabetes complications are burden on vital organs in the body. Nephropathy and liver failure are common among diabetic patients. In view of this, influence of aqueous extract of Calotropis procera leaf on histology and morphology of liver, kidney and red blood cells in alloxan-induced diabetic rats was investigated in the present study. Alloxan induction resulted in 5-fold elevation of blood glucose level in administered groups B to F when compared to non-induced group A. The photomicrograph of the untreated diabetic group B showed degenerated liver tissue and loss of integrity, narrowed Bowman capsule with disarrayed glomeruli and disrupted red blood cell (crenation) with reduction in RBC size. The extract at higher doses particularly 100 mg/kg b.w. extract significantly lowered (p<0.05) the elevated values back to normal (19.7 to 3.3 mmol/L). The extract at higher doses restored the integrity and organization of the atrophied organs and also ameliorated deformility in red blood cells (RBC) rheology as evident from photomicrographs of administered groups (C, D, E and F). In the present study, the extract repaired scarred organs and also offered protection and restoration to red blood cells in administered groups when compared to non-administered group B.