ABSTRACT
The effect of aqueous extract of the sclerotia of Pleurotus tuberregium on the plasma electrolytes, and markers of liver and kidney functions/integrity of normal and alloxan-induced rabbits was investigated. Diabetes mellitus was induced by injection of alloxan (120mg/kg body weight), via the marginal ear vein. The extract was administered orally at 100, 200 and 300mg/kg (both to normal and diabetic rabbits), and metformin at 50mg/kg. Gas chromatographic-flame ionization detector analysis of the extract revealed the presence of twelve known phenolic acids, consisting mainly of caffeic acid (80.24%), chlorogenic acid (11.08%), piperic acid (6.11%), sinapinic acid (2.14%) and ferulic acid (0.34%). Compared to test control, the treatment significantly (p<0.05) lowered plasma activities of alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyltransferase, and alanine and aspartate transaminases. Also lowered were plasma unconjugated/conjugated bilirubin ratio and concentrations of urea, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, sodium, and total and unconjugated bilirubin. It however, significantly (p<0.05) raised plasma potassium and calcium levels. Therefore, the modulation of plasma sodium and potassium is an indication of the diuretic potential of the extract. In addition, the extract had no deleterious effect on the liver and kidney of the treated animals, at least at the doses administered in this study.
