Biochemical and heamatological evaluation of methanol stem bark extract of Bombax Buonopozense administered to streptozotocin- induced diabetic rats

Abstract

Background: Bombax buonopozense is a tree native to the rainforests of the West African region. Locally, various parts of the plant have  been prepared and used in treating diseases like; rheumatism, cough, dysentery, malaria, and other ailments.

Aim: This study was aimed  at evaluating the chemical constituents of B. buonopozense as well as its toxicological effect in diabetic rats.

Methodology:  Hyperglycaemia was induced in rats by intraperitoneal (i.p) injections of streptozotocin (STZ) at a dose of 45mg/kg body weight.  Methanol stem bark extract of B. buonopozense was administered orally at increasing doses of 200, 400, and 800mg/kg body weight to  the streptozotocin-induced hyperglycaemic rats for 14 days after which animals were sacrificed and hematological, biochemical marker  were evaluated. The constituents of Bombax buonopozense were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

Results: GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 35 compounds corresponding to 35 different peaks. There were no significant effects  on, hematological parameters, serum proteins, bilirubin, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and lipids.  Histologically the liver, kidney, heart, spleen and brain of the animals were essentially normal except in the pancreas where mild  congestion was observed.

Conclusion: This study shows several compounds that could be responsible for the pharmacological effect of  the plant. Furthermore, the plant is relatively safe when used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.