Hypoglycaemic and Hypolipidemic Effects of Treculia africana Aqueous Leaves Extract in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

This study investigated the hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic effects of Treculia africana plant used in Nigeria as medicinal plant. Diabetes mellitus was induced by a single dose intraperitoneal injection of alloxan 150 mg/kg body weight. Twenty five (25) male albino rats were divided into five groups, five (5) rats per group; normal control, diabetic control and diabetic groups treated with aqueous leaves extract of 200,400 and 800 mg/Kg body weight respectively for 21 days orally. The effects of the extract on some biochemical parameters were evaluated; fasting blood glucose level was assayed using glucose oxidase method, total cholesterol and HDL –cholesterol were assayed using enzymatic method while LDL- cholesterol was determined by Friedewald equation. The results showed that, extract significantly (p<0.05) decrease the elevated fasting blood glucose levels, total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL- cholesterol when compared with the diabetic control rats. The extract also caused significant (p<0.05) increased in HDL –cholesterol and body weight when compared with diabetic control rats. Aqueous leave extract of Treculia africana possess hypoglycemic effect and the most effective dose was 800 mg/Kg body weight in amelioration of hyperglycaemia and most all toxicity effects of alloxan on lipid profile.