Effect of Methanol and Aqueous Leaf Extract of Mitracarpus Scabrum in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is serious metabolic disorder affecting large number people worldwide. It is associated with derangement of carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism. This study investigate the activity of Mitracarpus scabrum leaf extract in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Material and Methods: Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (120 mg/Kg). Rats were divided into four groups. Group I (standard control): treated orally with the reference drug, Glibenclamide. Group II (diabetic Control): diabetic rats untreated. Group III and IV: diabetic rats treated with methanol and aqueousrnleaf extract of M. scabrum (300 mg/kg). After the last treatment, blood samples were collected for estimation of serum glucose, liver enzymes, triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and VLDL. Results: Methanol and aqueous leaves extracts significantly decreased (P < 0.05) fasting blood glucose in alloxan-induced diabetic rats from 10.10 ± 4.815 to 5.80±1.608 mmol/l and 18.85±8.33 mmol/l to 12.525±7.463 mmol/l respectively. The extracts also caused a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and increase in HDL-cholesterol. Conclusion: This results revealed that M. scabrum is effective in the management of diabetes mellitus.