Hepato-Renal Protective Actions of Aqueous Lactuca scariola Linn (Prickly Lettuce) leaves extract in Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus results in a high blood sugar level over a prolonged period. Chronic hyperglycemia causes tissue and organ damage. The present study was carried out to investigate the Antidiabetic activities and possible Hepato-Renal protective action of aqueous Lactuca scariola Linn leaves extract on alloxan induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: The alloxan induced diabetic rats were used in the experimental groups; control, diabetic, diabetic + aqueous Lactuca scariola Linn extract. Rats of all the groups were studied for Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) followed by sub chronic supplementation of leaves extract on rats as per the experimental design. Histopathology studies of liver and kidney were also performed. Results: The study showed a significant decrease in the blood glucose level of the experimental rats treated with aqueous Lactuca scariola Linn extract. It was also revealed from the Histopathology studies that, the sub chronic supplementation of Lactuca scariola Linn leaves extract showed improvement in the liver and kidney tissues of diabetic rats. Conclusion: As per the results obtained from the experiments it can be revealed that in addition to Antidiabetic properties, Lactuca scariola Linn leaves extract has a protective effect on liver and kidney tissue damage in diabetic rats.