Protective effect of aqueous extracts from Canarium odontophyllum Miq. leaf on liver in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The fruit of Canarium odontophyllum Miq. are a traditional delicacy in Borneo for its anti-aging benefit. This study evaluated the protective effect of C. odontophyllum leaf aqueous extract on the damaged liver in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. A total of 30 male Spraque-Dawley rats (150-250g) were randomly divided into three groups: control group, diabetic without treatment and diabetic treated with 300 mg/kg aqueous extract once a day for 28 days. The diabetic condition was induced by intravenous injection of 65 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ). The blood was collected to assess the biochemical changes and the oxidative stress marker whereas the liver section was examined for morphological changes. Result showed that the level of blood aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), total bilirubin, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in STZ-induced rats treated with C. odontophyllum were significantly reduced (p<0.05) compared to STZ group. Oxidative stress test showed lower level of malondealdehid (MDA) and protein carbonyl but significantly (p<0.05) higher activity of GSH, SOD and GPx compared to untreated diabetic group. Abnormal cells were not detected from the histological observation. These findings demonstrated that the aqueous extract of C. odontophyllum has the potential to provide protective effect against liver damage in diabetic rat.