Abstract
IntroductionDesmodium canum (Strong Back) is deemed a versatile traditional medicine, where it is used to treat diabetes, hypertension, asthma and erectile dysfunction.AimTo identify the various phytochemicals present within extracts of D. canum, their antioxidant capabilities and their effects on blood glucose levels, haemodynamic parameters and testosterone levels in healthy Sprague-Dawley (S-D) rats.MethodCrude extracts were obtained using hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol. These were analysed for various phytochemicals and their antioxidant potential assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. The extracts were investigated for hypoglycaemic potential using the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), where extracts were administered intravenously (50 mg/kg BW) to fasted rats and their blood glucose readings monitored at 30 min intervals. The hypotensive effect of the extracts were also investigated where rats were administered intravenously at 50 mg/kg BW. These haemodynamic parameters were monitored using the CODA 6 machine at 5 min intervals for a total of 20 min. Additionally, the effect on testosterone level was investigated in male rats where extracts were administered daily by oral gavage. Serum testosterone levels were then determined using an ELISA kit.ResultsThe different extracts showed varying phytochemical and pharmacological properties. The methanol extract showed antioxidant capabilities, while the ethyl acetate extract showed significant hypoglycaemic and hypotensive effects when compared with the control. The hexane extract showed significant activity in increasing the testosterone when compared with the control.ConclusionD. canum extracts showed significant pharmacological activities in normal Sprague- Dawley rats.
Highlights
Desmodium canum (Strong Back) is deemed a versatile traditional medicine, where it is used to treat diabetes, hypertension, asthma and erectile dysfunction
The methanol extract showed antioxidant capabilities, while the ethyl acetate extract showed significant hypoglycaemic and hypotensive effects when compared with the control
Antioxidant capabilities of the crude extracts of D. canum (Fig. 1) Antioxidant capabilities of the extracts were compared to ascorbic acid, where *indicates a significant difference when compared with the positive control
Summary
Desmodium canum (Strong Back) is deemed a versatile traditional medicine, where it is used to treat diabetes, hypertension, asthma and erectile dysfunction. Commonly known as Strong Back, is one such plant that is used traditionally in several Caribbean islands for the treatment of various illnesses [5]. The plant exists as a perennial herb that grows up to about 70 cm and has red stems and petioles. It grows wildly and is often used as a therapeutic agent against diabetes, asthma, hypertension, abdominal pains and the common cold [5]. There is the belief that the full potential of the plant remains unlocked [7] and research into the bioactivity of the plant may lead to the development of pharmaceuticals for the treatment of diabetes, hypertension and low libido
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