Effects of aqueous extract of Blighia sapida leaves on alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Abstract

Aqueous extract of Blighia sapida leaves was investigated for anti-diabetic activity in alloxan-induced diabetic albino rats. Thirty six albino rats (186.50 ± 7.58 g) were completely randomized into six groups (A-F) such that animals in group A (non-diabetic rats) received orally 0.5 ml of distilled water while the diabetic animals (made diabetic by intraperitoneal administration of single dose of 150 mg/kg body weight) in groups B, C, D, E and F were treated with 0.5 ml of distilled water, 2.5 mg/kg body weight of glibenclamide, 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively. The levels of blood glucose, serum total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, albumin, creatinine, urea, malondialdehyde, and glycogen in the liver of the animals as well as haemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) were evaluated. The results revealed that the levels of blood glucose, serum cholesterol, albumin, creatinine, urea, triacylglyceride and malondialdehyde increased significantly (P<0.0.05) in the diabetic animals whereas the liver glycogen, Hb, PCV, liver-, kidney- and pancreas-body weight ratios decreased significantly (P<0.05). These alterations were not significantly different in the diabetic rats administered 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight of the extract whereas these parameters in the diabetic animals treated with glibenclamide compared well with the non-diabetic distilled water administered animal. Contrary to ethno-medicinal claim, this study has revealed that the aqueous extract of Blighia sapida leaves at the doses of 25, 50, 100 mg/kg body weight did not have anti-hyperglycemic activity and is not suitable for managing complications associated with diabetes.