METABOLIC AND RENAL CHANGES FOLLOWING THE INGESTION OF AFRICAN MISTLETOE EXTRACT IN RATS

The effect of an aqueous extract of African mistletoe (Loranthus begwe nsis) from two host plants (Citrus limon [Cl-mistletoe] or Vernonia am ygdalina [Va-mistletoe]) was studied in male Wistar rats treated orall y with either 1.32, 13.2 or 26.4 g/kg per day for 7 days. A significan t dose-dependent reduction (p < 0.01) in the serum glucose and cholest erol was obtained with both extracts, accompanied by a reduction of ur ine flow rate and serum creatinine. Increases in urinary enzymes and p rotein excretion were dose-related and dependent on the source of extr acts. Mistletoe extract irrespective of source appears to lower the bl ood sugar level offering the potential for clinical use of the ingredi ents of its extracts. (C) 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.