Abstract
The aim of this work was to formulate and evaluate the herbal tablets of Allium cepa L. for in vitro tablet properties, hypoglycemic effects and for their effects on some biochemical parameters in diabetic rats. Aqueous extract of A. cepa L. was obtained by cold maceration and freeze dried. A. cepa L. extract compatibility with some tablet excipients was assessed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. A. cepa L. tablets consisted of the extract, gelatin, polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), Primogel®, Ac-Di-Sol®, Avicel® PH102, anhydrous lactose, talc and stearic acid. Tablets were prepared according to standard physical properties using wet granulation method. The tablets were evaluated for antidiabetic properties and for their effects on some biochemical parameters in alloxan induced diabetic rats with glibenclamide and distilled water as positive and negative controls respectively. The extract-excipient compatibility test indicated compatibility of the extract with gelatin, PVP, CMC, Primogel®, Ac-Di-Sol®, Avicel® PH102, and anhydrous lactose. The prepared tablets maintained adequate mechanical integrity and dissolution profiles after storage for six months. There was significant reduction in blood glucose level upon daily administration of the tablets compared to the negative control (p = 0.05). Maximum reduction of blood glucose levels ranging from 20 to 70% were achieved within 21 days of daily administration of the tablets. The plasma levels of liver enzymes such as alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase were significantly reduced together with total cholesterol and triglycerides. There were also reduced activities of catalase, glutathione reductase and malondialdehyde. Key words: Allium cepa, hypoglycemic effects, biochemical parameters, alloxan, wet granulation.
Highlights
Plant products are increasingly being used as medicinal products, nutraceuticals and cosmetics
A. cepa L. tablets consisted of the extract, gelatin, polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), Primogel®, Ac-Di-Sol®, Avicel® PH102, anhydrous lactose, talc and stearic acid
The tablets were evaluated for antidiabetic properties and for their effects on some biochemical parameters in alloxan induced diabetic rats with glibenclamide and distilled water as positive and negative controls respectively
Summary
Plant products are increasingly being used as medicinal products, nutraceuticals and cosmetics. The upsurge in the use of herbal products can be linked to the global trend of many people seeking to return to nature. These products include herbal supplements taken to promote health. Part of the provisions of this act is that herbal products can be sold unlike the prescription medicine, without being tested to prove that they are safe and effective. This herbal supplements must be prepared according to current good manufacturing practices (UMMC, 2017)
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