The Effect of Aqueous Extract of Citrus sinensis Peel on Some Biochemical Parameters in Normal and Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Wister Rats

The effect of aqueous extract of Citrus sinensis peel on some biochemical parameters in alloxan-induced diabetic rats was investigated. Sixteen (16) adult male albino rats (181 g to 206 g) were randomly divided into four groups (A-D). 150 mg/kg body weight of alloxan was administered intra-peritoneally to the rats to induce diabetes. A normal control group, diabetic group, treated group with the aqueous extract (400 mg/kg of body weight) and metformin (500 mg/kg of body weight) were separated. Treatment was done for 21 consecutive days. The result of the study showed significant variation in blood concentrations of glucose, liver enzymes, creatinine, urea, uric acid, electrolytes, total protein, total bilirubin, lipid profile high density lipoprotein and albumin between the normal control and diabetic control groups (P<0.05). The result of this study revealed a significant role of the extract of Citrus sinensis peel and metformin in restoring blood glucose, liver enzymes and lipid profile to levels approximate to or below the normal control groups (P<0.05). However, metformin has more profound effect in restoring blood glucose compared with the extract of Citrus sinensis at the employed dosage. Other results of the study showed that Citrus sinensis peel extract increased blood urea, potassium, total bilirubin to values approximate to normal control and decreased creatinine and sodium to values approximate to normal control (P<0.05). The effects of the extract on other biochemical parameters differ significantly from the normal control (P<0.05).