EVALUATING CAMEL MILK FOR LIVER PROTECTION IN A DIABETIC RAT MODEL

Camel milk has long been recognized for its unique biochemical composition and therapeutic potential, particularly its antidiabetic and antioxidant effects. This study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of camel milk on liver enzymes in high-fat-diet-induced diabetic Wistar rats. A total of 20 Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Group I (non-diabetic control), Group II (diabetic control), and Groups III and IV (diabetic rats treated orally with camel milk at doses of 2 ml/kg and 4 ml/kg, respectively) for six weeks. Diabetes mellitus was induced using a high-fat diet composed of 10% oil, 20% groundnut meal, and 2% cholesterol. Biochemical parameters such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein, and albumin were evaluated. Rats treated with camel milk showed significant reductions in ALT, AST, and ALP activities compared to the diabetic group. Notably, AST levels were reduced from 90.2 ± 2.90 IU in the diabetic group to 9.67 ± 1.93 IU and 7.97 ± 1.83 IU in the 2 ml/kg and 4 ml/kg treatment groups, respectively. Similarly, ALP activity declined significantly in treated groups compared to untreated diabetic rats. No significant differences were observed in total protein and albumin levels across all treatment groups. These findings suggest that camel milk supplementation exerts protective effects on hepatic function by reducing elevated liver enzymes associated with diet-induced type 2 diabetes. The results provide compelling evidence supporting the use of camel milk as a complementary approach in managing hepatic complications of diabetes mellitus.