Reduction in Serum Bilirubin Concentration Following Administration of Crude Leaf Extract of Viscum album (Mistletoe) in High Salt Fed Rats

Aims: This study was designed to determine the effect of a high salt diet on serum bilirubin concentration and to ascertain the impact of treatment with Viscum album on same.
Methodology: Twenty male albino wistar rats weighing 150 - 200g were used for this study. After seven days of habituation, the animals were randomly divided into four (4) groups of five rats each. Group 1 (NC) served as control and were fed with normal rat pellet and water; group 2(NT) served as the control treated group (administered 150 mg/kg Viscum album orally, in addition to rat pallet and water); group 3 (SF) served as the high salt diet fed group (without treatment), while group 4 (ST) served as the high salt diet fed group, treated orally with 150 mg/kg Viscum album. The feeding regimen lasted for six weeks, after which the animals were sacrificed and blood samples collected for analysis.
Results: Mean serum total bilirubin concentration was significantly (p<0.001) higher in the SF group compared to control, NT and ST group. It was also significantly (p<0.001) lower in the ST group compared to SF group. Serum conjugated bilirubin concentration was significantly (p<0.001) increased in the SF group compared to NC, NT and ST group. It was also significantly (p<0.001) reduced in the ST group compared to the SF group. Serum unconjugated bilirubin concentration was significantly (p<0.001) increased in the SF group compared to NC, NT and ST group. Serum unconjugated bilirubin concentration was significantly (p<0.01) lower in the ST group compared to SF group.
Conclusion: Our results are indicative of the fact that oral administration of Viscum album reduces serum bilirubin concentration in high salt fed animals.