Antidiabetic, Antilipidemic and Antioxidant Properties of Aqueous Extracts of Morinda Lucida and Nauclea Latifolia Leaves in Alloxan Induced Rats

Abstract

The study sought to evaluate the antidiabetic, antioxidants and hypolipidemic properties of Morinda lucida and Nauclea latifolia leaves in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The rats used were grouped into six, including controls and standard drug groups. The body weights and blood glucose concentration of the animals were determined before and after induction of diabetes as well as after treatment with the aqueous extracts of the leaves. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione transferase, glutathione reductase, reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde, lipid profiles, and liver biomarker enzymes were also determined. The Morinda lucida and Nauclea latifolia extracts caused a significant reduction in the rats' glucose level after treatment. The status of reduced glutathione and antioxidants enzyme activities was significantly increased. However, the total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride status showed reduction compare to the control. There was also a reduction in the concentration of malondialdehyde in the groups administered with Morinda lucida (2.88±0.00) and with Nauclea latifolia leaves extracts (3.85±0.12) compare to the diabetic control group (7.37±0.10). The biomarker enzyme activities were relatively reduced in the group administered with the extracts of both plants. However, the leaves extract of the plants exhibits hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant properties.