Biological changes in liver, kidney and serum indices in rats treated with ethanolic extract of Crateagus azarolus areal parts

This study evaluates how the ethanolic areal extract of Crateagus azarolus affects the biochemical and functional characteristics of the liver, kidney and serum. Two groups of albino male rats (n1=6, n2=6), were given 400 mg/kg of C. azarolus ethanolic extract orally daily for two weeks, whereas the control group was given saline. The animals' necks were translocated, blood samples collected, and the liver, kidney and heart removed, and their relative organ weight (ROW) calculated. Analysis of serum parameters showed that liver enzyme ALT and AST increased significantly (58%) in C. azarolus treated group, whereas ALP and total bilirubin dropped (27%, 50% respectively). Changes in Kidney parameters were noticeably reduced. Lipase activity and creatinine decreased dramatically (56%, 77% respectively). Besides insulin level increased 10% compared to 17% reduction in glucose. Lipid parameters were also changed in the treated animals. Reduction in cholesterol (20%), triglycerides (30%), LDL (23%) whereas HDL increased 14%. The ROW for liver and heart reduced significantly. In conclusion, oral treatment with 400mg/kg of the ethanolic extract of areal parts of C. azarolus did not show a significant effect on the functional parameters and markers of liver enzymes, kidney and serum biochemical components, however lipid profile indices were improved.