Evaluation of Antidiabetic Activity and Associated Toxicity ofArtemisia afraAqueous Extract in Wistar Rats

Taofik O Sunmonu,Anthony J Afolayan

doi:10.1155/2013/929074

Abstract

Artemisia afra Jacq. ex Willd. is a widely used medicinal plant in South Africa for the treatment of diabetes. This study aimed to evaluate the hypoglycemic activity and possible toxicity effect of aqueous leaf extract of the herb administered at different dosages for 15 days in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Administration of the extract at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight significantly (P < 0.05) increased body weight, decreased blood glucose levels, increased glucose tolerance, and improved imbalance in lipid metabolism in diabetic rats. These are indications of antidiabetic property of A. afra with 200 mg/kg body weight of the extract showing the best hypoglycemic action by comparing favourably well with glibenclamide, a standard hypoglycemic drug. The extract at all dosages tested also restored liver function indices and haematological parameters to normal control levels in the diabetic rats, whereas the kidney function indices were only normalized in the diabetic animals administered with 50 mg/kg body weight of the extract. This investigation clearly showed that in addition to its hypoglycemic activity, A. afra may also protect the liver and blood against impairment due to diabetes. However, some kidney functions may be compromised at high dosages of the extract.

Highlights

Diabetes mellitus is a major endocrine disorder and growing health problem in most countries
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated diabetes in adults to be around 173 million, and about two-thirds of these patients live in developing countries [2]
The prevalence of diabetes is on the increase worldwide including South Africa; and it is still expected to increase by 5.4% in 2025 [3]

Summary

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus is a major endocrine disorder and growing health problem in most countries. It is a metabolic disease as old as mankind; and its incidence is considered high all over the world [1]. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated diabetes in adults to be around 173 million, and about two-thirds of these patients live in developing countries [2]. The prevalence of diabetes is on the increase worldwide including South Africa; and it is still expected to increase by 5.4% in 2025 [3]. WHO further reports that over 4.8 million annual deaths (9% of global total) are attributable to either diabetes or its complications [4]

Objectives

Results

Discussion

Conclusion