Evaluation of the anti-diabetic potential of methanol seed extract of Telfairia occidentalis

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-diabetic potential of T. occidentalis seed extract in wistar rats. Exactly 500 g of powdered T. occidentalis seed sample was processed into extract. Twenty five adult male wistar rats were divided into five groups of five rats each. Group I was the normal control and was fed rat chow and water only, Group II was the untreated diabetic rats. Groups III and IV were diabetic rats administered 100 and 200 mg/kg of extract respectively. Group V was diabetic rats administered standard drug (200 mg/kg of metformin). Administration of drug and extract lasted for 28 days after which the animals were sacrificed and blood sample collected for analysis. Blood sugar level reported for animals administered 200 mg/kg of extract as well as the activity of the catalase and superoxide dismutase significantly (p<0.05) increased. The activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was significantly (P<0.05) high in the untreated diabetic control. However, oral administration of extract significantly (p<0.05) reduced the activity of the aforementioned enzymes. In conclusion, it can be deduced from this study that administration of T. occidentalis seed extract salvaged diabetic condition, increased antioxidant enzyme activity and was not deleterious to the liver.