MPharmacological potential of leaf on blood glucose levels, lipid profile, and oxidative stress parameters in diabetic rats

Abstract

is a plant from tropical regions traditionally used in Africa as an anti-diabetic. The aim of the work was to evaluate the antidiabetic and antioxidant potential of the aqueous extract of leaves (AELT) in diabetic rats. To induce diabetes, streptozotocin (55 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally into rats. Diabetic animals were divided into groups and treated with vehicle, glibenclamide (10 mg/kg) and AETL (150, 300 and 450 mg/kg). Body weight, blood glucose level, water and food consumption, lipid and oxidative stress parameters were assessed. AELT (450 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001) prevented weight loss, polyphagia, and polydipsia in diabetic rats. Hyperglycemia, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and malondialdehyde were significantly reduced (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001) in diabetic rats treated with AETL. The levels of reduced glutathione, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities were also increased (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001) with AELT. AELT can improve postprandial hyperglycemia, treat diabetes mellitus, and protect pancreas against damage induced by oxidative stress. The results obtained from this study justify the ethnobotanical use of AELT as a treatment of diabetes mellitus.