Antidiabetic Potential of Ocimum gratissimum and Vernonia amygdalina Combined Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

This study evaluated the antidiabetic effect of the ethanolic combined extract of Ocimum gratissimum and Vernonia amygdalina (OGVA) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The phytochemical content and safety level of OGVA in mice were assayed using standard methods and Lorke’s model of toxicity study, respectively. Graded OGVA doses were administered orally in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats for 21 days. Indices of diabetes, oxidative stress, and tissue histology were assessed using biochemical kits and standard methods. The presence of various phytochemicals was identified with saponins (51.20 ± 0.11 mg/100 g) and flavonoids (40.70 ± 0.65 mg/100 g) recorded as the highest. Streptozotocin-induction, significantly (P < 0.05) increased blood glucose (405.00 ± 3.65 mg/dl), aspartate aminotransferase (104.00 ± 6.57 U/l), alanine aminotransferase (90.70 ± 2.87 U/l), alkaline phosphatase (137.00 ± 4.18 U/l), urea (78.80 ± 2.04 mg/dl), and malondialdehyde concentration (5.03 ± 0.04 μmol/g) while animal weight, reduced glutathione (9.94 ± 0.75 μmol/g), superoxide dismutase (31.86 ± 0.61 U/g), and catalase (27.30 ± 0.38 μmol/min) were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased. Histopathologic alterations were also observed in the liver and kidney. Treatment with OGVA significantly (P < 0.05) improved these deleterious changes in diabetic rats. Oral administration of OGVA combined ethanolic leaf extract may alleviate diabetic-related biochemical alterations.