European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

IN VIVO ANTIDIABETIC EFFECT OF A COMBINATION OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF FICUS CAPENSIS AND CNIDOSCOLUS ACONITIFOLIUS LEAVES IN ALLOXAN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

Ezeigwe Obiajulu Christian*, Obayuwana Erhunmwense Ann, Iloanya Ebele Lauretta, Enemchukwu Benneth Nnanyelugo, Oguazu Chinenye Enoch, Anyaoku Ijeoma Cynthia, Ekwunoh Peter Okwukwe, Akpata Ebere Immaculata

ABSTRACT

Aim and Objectives: The antidiabetic effect of a combination of ethanol extracts of Ficus capensis and Cnidoscolus aconitifolius leaves was studied in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Fasting blood glucose levels were checked using One Touch glucometer and test strips. The lipid profile and liver function test of the experimental rats were determined using standard diagnostic test kits. Results: The result obtained showed a significant (p<0.05) reduction in the blood glucose levels of the experimental groups treated with the extract combination compared with the diabetic untreated group as well as the group treated with the standard drug, metformin. A significant (p<0.05) decrease in total cholesterol (TCHOL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TRIG) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels with a significant (p<0.05) increase in the levels of the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were recorded in the extract treated experimental groups compared with the diabetic untreated group. Also, a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the levels of the various liver function test parameters, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and direct bilirubin (D.BIL) were recorded in the groups treated with the combined ethanol extracts of F. capensis and C. aconitifolius leaves compared with the diabetic untreated group. Conclusion: It can be concluded from the result obtained that the combined extracts of F. capensis and C. aconitifolius leaves possess antidiabetic effect without altering the lipid profile and liver function parameters of the experimental animals. These results suggest that the ethanol extract of a combination of F. capensis and C. aconitifolius leaves will be beneficial in the treatment and management of diabetes mellitus.

Keywords: Diabetes, Alloxan, Ficus capensis, Cnidoscolus aconitifolius.