The effect of carob extract on liver function test in diabetic male rat

Diabetes is one of the most common metabolic worldwide disorders that are associated with many pathological changes. This study seeks to investigate the effects of carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) seeds on the liver functions following the injection of streptozotocin. In this experimental study, 56 male Wistar rats weighing 210-220gr were randomly selected and divided into seven equal groups: control group with no treatment, the case group which received only distilled water, the control group which treated with hydro alcoholic extract of carob seeds (600 mg/kg), the control diabetic group which received only streptozotocin and finally three experimental groups 1, 2, and 3 that received 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg of oral hydroalcoholic extract of carob seeds for 16 days, respectively. At the end of the experiments, blood samples were obtained from all the above-mentioned groups and levels of the enzymes ALT, AST, ALP, total protein and albumin were measured in the samples. Data were analyzed using one –way ANOVA and LSD test. Concentration of AST, ALT, ALP in experimental groups 1, 2 and 3 significantly decrease in respect to diabetic control group (P<0.05). The serum level of total protein in experimental group 3 showed a significant increase (P<0.05). In addition, in experimental groups 1, 2 and 3 concentration of albumin significantly increased compare with diabetic control group (P<0.05). Based on the results, consumption of hydro-alcholic seeds extracts is recommended to be used in diabetic patient's diet for reducing liver disorder.