Effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Crataegus monogyna Jacq. on histopathology and biomarkers of liver injury in diabetic male rats

Diabetes mellitus is associated with physical, physiological, and pathological changes in the liver tissue. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Crataegus monogyna Jacq. on histopathology and liver function in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. In this experimental study, Wistar male rats were randomly divided into six groups of eight including control, diabetic, diabetic treated with 100, 200, and 400 (mg/kg) doses of C. monogyna extract and positive control (diabetic treated with captopril). Diabetes was induced by intra-peritoneal injection of a single-dose of STZ (60 mg/kg). After observation of the diabetes symptoms (blood glucose level above 250 mg/dL and polydipsia), treatments were done using extract and drug. After three weeks of treatment with extract and drug intra-peritoneally, the serum level of liver enzymes and albumin was determined and liver tissue samples were prepared for histopathologic examination. In diabetic rats, there was a significant decrease in serum albumin and a significant increase in serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) and gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) in comparison with healthy rats (P<0.05). Treatment of diabetic rats with different doses of C. monogyna extract increased albumin and decreased GGT in serum significantly (P<0.05). In diabetic rats, hepatocytes necrosis, complete destruction of the liver lobules and Remak bundles and hyperemia were observed, and the treatment with C. monogyna extract prevented the pathologic changes. The results of this study showed that C. monogyna extract can prevent liver tissue degradation and its dysfunction in diabetic rats.