In Vivo Antidiabetic Effect of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Azardirachta indica, A. juss in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Mice

Arika Wm,Agyirifo Ds,Nyamai Dw

doi:10.4172/2475-3211.1000106

Abstract

There is growing interest in the potential of plant remedies to treat and manage many diseases owing to the adverse side effects, unavailability and unaffordability associated with the conventional therapy. Among the traditional plants that has been prescribed for clinical use for many ailments including diabetes mellitus is Azardirachta indica. Their continued use is largely based on their long-term therapeutic effects although this has not been authenticated scientifically. This study therefore, aims to evaluate the in vivo hypoglycemic effect of aqueous leaf extracts of A. indica in alloxan-induced white male albino mice. The blood glucose lowering effect of the extract was intraperitoneally and orally bioscreened in diabetic mice in serial dilutions of the extract at 25 mg/kgbwt, 48.4 mg/kgbwt, 93.5 mg/kgbwt, 180.9 mg/kgbwt and 350 mg/kgbwt. Qualitative analysis of phytochemicals was done using standard procedures. In both routes, the extract lowered blood glucose at all dosages in a dose independent manner. The extracts contained flavonoids, tannins, sterols, saponins, anthraquinones and alkaloids. The antidiabetic activity may be attributable to these phytochemicals present in the plant extract. The study confirms the traditional use of this plant part in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. However, organic solvent extraction of the leaves of this plant should be done to compare effects of both organic and aqueous fractions.

Highlights

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic elevated blood glucose levels that could lead to mortality and morbidity [1]
The pathophysiological processes involved in etiology of this disorder may be due to abnormalities that result in insulin resistance or molecular mimicry that results in autoimmune destruction of islet β-cells of Langerhans with consequent insulin deficiency, or both [2]
Induction of hyperglycemia Diabetes was induced experimentally by intraperitoneal administration of a freshly prepared 10% alloxan monohydrate obtained from Sigma Aldrich (Steinhein, Switzerland) [21], at 186.9 mg/kg body weight [2]

Summary

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic elevated blood glucose levels that could lead to mortality and morbidity [1]. Insufficient action and deficiency of insulin on peripheral tissues disrupts the metabolism of dietary fats, proteins, and carbohydrates [3]. Untreated high blood sugar levels increases the risk of microvascular damage such as nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy. It is associated with significant morbidity, reduced life expectancy, increased risk of macrovascular complications (stroke, ischaemic heart disease and peripheral vascular disease), diminished quality of life and death [5]

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