The effect of ethanolic Acalypha Wilkesiana extract on blood sugar, sodium, potassium levels in alloxan-induced diabetic and salt-induced hypertensive Wistar rats

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus and hypertension often occur simultaneously. Hypertension affects approximately 70% of patients with diabetes, and the risk of cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients is three times higher than that in healthy individuals. The study was aimed at investigating the problem of diabetes and hypertension, and a possible remedy for it. Twenty-five (25) male wistar rats were assigned into five (5) groups of five (5) rats each. Group A served as negative control, and received water and feed only. Group B served as the positive control, and received alloxan160 mg/kg BW+ salt-loaded diet. Group C-E received alloxan 160 mg/kg BW+ salt-loaded diet + 100 mg/kg BW, 200 mg/kg BW, and 300 mg/kg BW of ethanolic acalypha wilkesiana (EAW) respectively. All administrations were given orally twice daily for 21 days. At the end of the treatment, blood samples were collected to estimate blood glucose, insulin, sodium, and potassium levels. Results are presented as mean±SEM, and were analysed using One-way ANOVA, statistical significance was considered at (P≤0.05). The results showed decrease in blood glucose levels and increase in insulin levels in groups C, D, and E compared to group B. There was also a decrease in sodium ion levels, and a concomitant increase in potassium ion levels in all wistar rat treatment groups when compared to group B. In summary, the results showed improved blood sugar, insulin, sodium, and potassium ion levels following EAW administration. It is therefore concluded that EAW administration was effective in improving diabetic and hypertensive complications in wistar rats.