THE IMPACT OF VISCUM ALBUM LEAF EXTRACT ON SOME BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS, LIVER AND KIDNEY FUNCTION INDICES IN FEMALE RATS

Abstract

Viscum album Linn, (mistletoe) a Loranthacea is used in the management of different diseases. This study
assessed the impact of V. album leaf aqueous extract on some biochemical and functional indices in female
rats. Twenty female Wistar rats with average weight of 164.69 ± 2.02 g were assigned to study groups B, C
and D and, a control (Group A) with five animals per group. Group A received 0.5ml of distilled water, while
animals in groups B, C and D were administered with 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight of the extract
respectively, by oral, daily and for 30 days. The extract significantly (p<0.05) decreased follicle stimulating
hormone, caused elevation of the luteinizing hormone and progesterone in serum of the animals. Serum
levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein were also reduced, whereas high density
lipoprotein, Superoxide dismutase activity and the vitamin C concentration were increased (p<0.05)
significantly. Activity of liver ALT, AST and GGT activities in serum, serum total protein, albumin and
globulin, conjugated bilirubin as well as K+ and HCO3- levels were not significantly (p>0.05) different in
extract-treated and the control. Viscum album extract however, aggravated some indices of liver (13%) and
the kidney (17%) functions. In conclusion, the overall results with 70% positive impact obtained, showed
that V. album may be used as adjunct to therapy in management of anovulatory infertility and metabolic
syndromes but need further toxicological investigations