Effects of Lophira Lanceolata and of Three Species of Gardenia Leaves Aqueous Extracts on Blood Glucose and Lipids in Wistar Rat

Abstract

This study has been performed to evaluate the hypoglycemic, anti-hyperglycemic and hypolipidemic properties of aqueous extracts of Lophira lanceolata, Gardenia aqualla, Gardenia nitida and Gardenia ternifolia, plants used in traditional medicine for diabetes treatment. Crude aqueous extracts of leaves of each plant have been prepared by decoction. Extracts were orally administered to Wistar rats to study effect on fasting blood glucose and blood lipid. Anti-hyperglycemic effects were investigated by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). 14-days administration of Gardenia nitida and Gardenia aqualla extracts, at 500mg/kg of body weight, was without effect on rat fasting blood glucose whereas Gardenia ternifolia and Lophira Lanceolata extracts induced a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose. At 500mg/kg, Gardenia nitida and Gardenia aqualla extracts were also without effect on the OGTT whereas Gardenia ternifolia (1000mg/kg) and Lophira lanceolata (500mg/kg) induced a decrease in blood glucose at all times of the OGTT, effect which was similar to that of glibenclamide at 1mg/kg. 14-days administration of Lophira lanceolata extract induced an increased level of blood triglycerides and Gardenia ternifolia resulted in a reduced level of LDL-cholesterol and in an increase of HDL-cholesterol to total cholesterol ratio. These data support the traditional use of Gardenia ternifolia and Lophira lanceolata in the treatment of diabetes but not that of Gardenia Nitida and Gardenia aqualla.