The protective effect of Cucurbita pepo L. on liver damage in alloxan- induced diabetic rats

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from perturbation in insulin secretion insulin action or both. ‍Cucurbita pepo (Pumpkin) has been recommended in Iranian traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes. In this experimental study the effect of pumpkin powder was investigated on activity of liver enzymes in alloxan - induced diabetic rat. In this study twenty eight male white Wistar rats were randomly designated into four groups. Group 1: nondiabetic control Group 2 diabetic control Group 3: diabetic rats treated with pumpkin powder (1 g/kg) and Group 4: diabetic rats treated with pumpkin powder (2 g/kg). Using intraperitoneal injection of Alloxan monohydrate diabetes mellitus was induced in rats. Diabetic rats were treated with gavaje injection for 4 weeks. At the end of experimental period fasting blood samples were collected. Liver tissue samples were collected from the animals in all groups to be investigated. The results indicated a significant increase in liver enzymes (ALT AST ALP) in the diabetic group compared with the other groups. Treatments with pumpkin powder in diabetic rats caused a significant decrease in levels of enzymes compared with the diabetic groups (P