The protective effect of black pepper (Piper nigrum) on liver enzymes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global metabolic disorder that leads to various complications, including liver dysfunction. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in rats serves as a model to study diabetes-related liver injury, often evidenced by elevated liver enzyme levels. This study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of black pepper (Piper nigrum) aqueous extract on liver enzymes in STZ-induced diabetic rats. A controlled laboratory-based experimental study was conducted using eighteen male Wistar rats, divided into three groups: control (healthy), diabetic (induced by STZ), and black pepper-treated diabetic (50 mg/kg body weight for 28 days). Diabetes was induced with a single STZ injection (55 mg/kg). Liver function markers, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), were assessed, and histological analysis was performed on liver tissues. the results showed significant elevations in liver enzymes were observed in the diabetic group compared to the control. Black pepper treatment significantly reduced ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT levels, with results showing normalization of liver function markers. Histological analysis revealed improved hepatic architecture in the treated group, with reduced signs of cellular stress and damage. Black pepper extract demonstrated significant hepatoprotective effects in STZ-induced diabetic rats, potentially due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These findings support the potential of black pepper as a complementary therapy for managing diabetes-induced liver dysfunction.