Ameliorative Effect of Allium cepa (Red Onions) on the Levels of Some Biochemical Markers in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

Aims: The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of onion (Allium cepa) extract on enzymes activities and some other biochemical parameters in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Methodology: Twenty four albino rats were randomized into four groups (A-D) consisting of six rats each and classified as follows; Group A (Normal Control), Group B (Diabetic Control), Group C (Diabetic Treated) and Group D (Normal Treated). Extracts were administered orally at a concentration of 200 mg/kg body weight once a day for 14 days after confirmation of diabetes in the alloxanized groups (B and C). At the end of the experimental period, the rats were sacrificed under diethyl ether anesthesia. Blood was collected from the sacrificed animals and used for the biochemical assays.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, University of Jos, between August and December 2015.

Results: The blood glucose of alloxanized rats significantly and progressively reduced in extract treated animals. The significant (P<0.05) increase in the levels of creatinine (144.88 umol/L), urea (180.83 mg/dl), glucose (345.75 mg/dl) in the untreated diabetic rats were reduced significantly in the diabetic treated rats with the values 34.88 umol/L, 35.59 mg/dl, 128.89 mg/dl respectively below the control group. The elevation in the activities of ALT (228 IU/L), AST (350 IU/L), ALP (596 IU/L) were significantly reduced to 126.00 IU/L, 323.90 IU/L, 540.00 IU/L respectively after the administration of the extract of Allium cepa. The significant (p<0.05) increase in the total cholesterol (195.97 mmol/L) and triglyceride (195.00 mmol/L) observed in the diabetic animals was drastically reduced to near normal levels, 158.11 mmol/L and 105.30 mmol/L respectively after the administration of the extract. There was slight increase in HDL from 60.77 mmol/L to 63.78 mmol/L.

Conclusion: In conclusion, following the results obtained and observed, the extract can be said to produce hypoglycemic effects and improve biochemical parameters in diabetic rats, justifying its use traditionally as a nutritional supplement in the management of diabetes mellitus.