Phytochemical Evaluation and Anti-Diabetic Effects of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Petersianthus macrocarpus on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic effect of ethanolic extracts of Petersianthus macrocarpus leaf and its phytochemical analysis using different solvents. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out between March and September in 2018 in the Department of Anatomy, Madonna University, Elele. River State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Twenty five Wistar rats, weighing between 200-225g were divided into five groups of five rats.  Group A (Control) while Groups B, C, D and E were induced with diabetes using streptozotocin firstly 35mg/kg b.w; and 2 weeks later 25mg/kg b.w.  Group B (Diabetic control), Group C received 0.5mg/kg b.w of Glibenclamide. Groups D and E received daily 50 and 100 mg/kg b.w of ethanolic leaf extract of P. macrocarpus orally for two weeks. The fasting blood glucose levels were determined weekly for two weeks. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed and the pancreas was removed for histological procedures. Results: The body weights increased significantly (P<0.05) in 100 mg/kg b.w group when compared to the diabetic control rats weight at the end of the experiment. Also there was a significantly decreased (P<0.05) in blood glucose levels in P. macrocarpus (100mg/kg b.w). The histological section of the pancreas of diabetic control showed eosinophilic material in the islet, shrinkage of the islet of Langerhans while the group treated with 100 mg/kg of extract showed granulated and well prominent pancreatic islet of Langerhans. Phytochemical screening showed methanolic extract of P. macrocarpus leaf having alkaloid, saponin, tannin, phenol, flavonoid, cardiac glycoside, steroids, terpenoids, anthocyanin and anthraquinone. However, cardiac glycosides and steroids were absent in ethanolic extract. Cardiac glycoside and terpenoids were also absent in hexane and acetone extract, while phenol, cardiac glycosides, steroids and anthrocyanin were absent in the water extract. Conclusion: Ethanolic leaf extract of P. macrocarpus ameliorate streptozotocin-induced diabetes in Wistar rats.