Evaluation of the Nephroprotective and Hypoglycemic Effect of Aqueous Extract of Leaf and Root of Thaumatococcus danielli on Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

The management of diabetes without side effects is a major challenge affecting majorities of the world population, thus the constant search for alternative compounds from natural products. This study investigated the nephroprotective and the hypoglycemic effect of aqueous extract of the leaf and root of Thaumatococcus danielli (T. danielli). Rats were assigned to 9 groups (1-9) of four rats each. Each group was made diabetic using Alloxan (150 mg/kg/b.wt) except the control group. The treatment group received 0.5 ml of Metformin (150 mg/kg/b.wt,), 200 and 400 mg/kg/b.wt, of Thaumatococcus danielli aqueous extract of leaf, root, and mixture orally, respectively. After 14 days of treatment, animals were sacrificed, and blood and kidney samples were collected for further analysis. 
 The lowest reduction in glucose level was 22.65%, which was observed in the diabetic group treated with 200 mg/kg aqueous leaf of T. danielli, while the highest decrease was observed to be 38.63% in the diabetic group treated with 400 mg/kg aqueous root of Thaumatococcus danielli. The diabetic control group had a significantly higher level of sodium and potassium ions. Little changes were observed in chloride, carbonate, and total protein level in the diabetic group compared to the control group; while urea and creatinine levels were higher. Histological alterations such as poor architecture, few collapsed renal tubules, and loss of luminar spaces were observed in control. 
 From this study, it can be inferred that aqueous extracts of the leaves and roots of Thaumatococcus danielli and their combination have antihyperglycemic activity as well as modulating renal indices and diabetes-induced nephropathy.