Effects of Co-administration of Ethanol Extracts of Gongronema latifolium and Tapinanthus bangwensis Leaves in Male Albino Wistar Rats

Abstract

The effects of co-administration of ethanol extracts of Gongronema Latifolium and Tapinanthus bangwensis leaves on blood glucose level, body and organs weights in normal male Albino Wistar rats were evaluated. Groups 1,2 and 3 of four animals each were treated respectively with 200 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg (50:50 dose ratio), while group 4 that served as control was not treated. Each animal in the four groups were allowed free access to commercial rats mash and water for 3weeks. Blood glucose and body weights were determined on day 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 21, while organs weights were taken as the animals were sacrificed at the end of the three weeks experimentation. On day 0, 3, 6 and 9 no statistically significant difference (P<0.05) was found in the blood glucose levels in the treated groups when compared with the control group. Significant decrease (P<0.05) was observed in the blood glucose in the treated groups 2 and 3 compared to the control on days 12, 15, 18 and 21. On day 0, 3 and 6, significant decrease (P<0.05) was recorded in body weight of animals in group 2 and 3 when compared to the control group. Groups 2 and 3 animals also recorded significant decrease (P<0.05) in body weight when compared to group 1. On day 9, significant decrease (P<0.05) was found in groups 2 and 3 when compared to the control and when compared to group 1. On days 12, 15 and 18, body weight in group 3 was significantly decreased (P<0.05) when compared to the control and to groups 1 and 2 when compared to the control and with group 1. Body weight on day 21 showed significant decrease (p< 0.05) in groups 2 and 3 when compared to the control and with group 1. Liver weight recorded significant decrease (P<0.05) in group 3 when compared to group 1. No significant difference (P<0.05) was found in the weight of the kidneys in all the treatment groups when compared to the control. The results of this work implies that combined extracts of T. bangwensis and G. latifolium leaves possess the potentials to reduce blood glucose level in the treatment groups of animals on prolonged treatment, with no marked effects of the extracts on the body and organs weights of the animals. Therefore, the two extracts could be used to manufacture medications that can take care of diabetic condition in human.