Alloxan-induced Hyperglycemic Rats Research Articles

Comparative Study of Different Solvents Extract of Persea americana Leaf on Alloxan Induced Hyperglycemic Rats

Comparative Study of Different Solvents Extract of Persea americana Leaf on Alloxan Induced Hyperglycemic Rats

Antidiabetic potential of the combination of fermented soy milk and flaxseed milk in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Type-1 diabetics are an autoimmune disease first appears at childhood or early adolescence. The prevalence of this disease is increasing around the world and no preventive procedure exists. The naturally effective flaxseed and soybeans have various health benefits. The study was carried out to evaluate the effects of probiotic soy and flaxseed milk in alloxan-induced rats. Methods: Fermented soy and flaxseed milk (FSFM) was screened for their antidiabetic potential in alloxan-induced diabetic rats using the oral route. Fermented milk with probiotics increases the efficacy of isoflavones in the treatment of diabetic mellitus. Single and multiple dose (28 days) studies were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the fermented milk through blood glucose level, body weight, hematological profile, estimation of insulin level, biochemistry parameters, as well as homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance. Results: Intraperitoneal administration of alloxan into the rats caused significant diabetogenic response with increase in the levels of blood sugar as compared with normal rats. As a control, metformin was used to compare the potential of FSFM in rats. Oral administration of low dose and high dose of FSFM significantly reduced blood glucose level in normoglycemic and alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats with comparative increase in the insulin production as that of metformin dose. There were no evident hematological changes in all the groups. The body weight and feed intake of the diabetes induced rats were increased after treatment with FSFM throughout the study period as compared with the normal and diabetic control group. Conclusion: The observed data showed the antidiabetic potential of FSFM against Type-1 diabetes of alloxan-induced rats and can be used as an antidiabetic supplement. Clinical Impact: At present, there is no effective medication to cure Type 1 diabetics. The available treatments are causing number of side effects in long-term usage. The present study on flaxseed and soy milk shows that it is effective in reducing Type 1 diabetics without any after effects.

Ameliorative Effects of Helianthus Annuus Against Nephrotoxic, Cardiac, and Haematological Disorders in Alloxan-induced Hyperglycaemia in Albino Rats.

IntroductionThe study evaluated the ameliorative effects of Helianthus annuus leaf extract on nephrotoxicity, cardiac, and haematologic disorders in alloxan-induced hyperglycaemic rats.Material and MethodsThe cold maceration method with 80% methanol was used in the preparation of H. annuus extract. Thirty alloxan-induced hyperglycaemic rats were randomly assigned to five equal groups (A–E). Groups A and B received 5% tween-20 solution in water (5 mL/kg) and glibenclamide (2 mg/kg), respectively; while groups C, D, and E received 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg of the extract, respectively, per os once daily for 21 consecutive days. The levels of serum urea, creatinine, haematological indices, and histopathological changes in the kidneys and heart were evaluated 24 h after the last treatment on day 21.ResultsThe extract and glibenclamide significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the levels of serum urea and urea : creatinine ratio in diabetic rats when compared with the vehicle treated group. The extract and glibenclamide also ameliorated haematological disorders and kidney and cardiac damage induced by alloxan.ConclusionH. annuus extract produced nephroprotective, cardioprotective, and haematoprotective effects and might prevent the advancement of diabetic complications such as diabetic nephropathy and cardiovascular diseases in diabetic patients.

Antidiabetic Potentials of Citrus aurantifolia Leaf Essential Oil.

Citrus aurantifolia leaf essential oil was extracted via hydrodistillation, chemical composition of the oil was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and its antidiabetic potentials was assessed in alloxan-induced hyperglycaemic rats using metformin as the reference drug for comparison. Chemical analysis showed that D-limonene (57.84%) was the major constituent of the oil. Other notable compounds identified were neral (7.81%), linalool (4.75%), sulcatone (3.48%) and isogeraniol (3.48%). Intraperitoneal administration of C. aurantifolia oil (100 mg/Kg b.wt.) to hyperglycaemic rats for 14 days caused significant reduction in fasting blood and hepatic glucose, whereas hepatic concentration of glycogen was significantly increased. Also, improvement in dyslipidaemia was observed in C. aurantifolia essential oil-treated hyperglycaemic rats; serum concentration of total cholesterol, triacylglycerol and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol were significantly reduced and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol was increased, resulting in decreased predisposition of rats to cardiac risks. Antihyperglycaemic potential of administration of the oil was lower but compared favourably with the oral antihyperglycaemic agent used as reference antidiabetic drug. Overall, data from this study showed that essential oil from the leaf of C. aurantifolia grown in North-Central Nigeria is a D-limonene chemotype. The oil showed considerable glucose lowering effect as well as the potential to ameliorate hyperglycaemia-induced dyslipidaemic complications in alloxanized rats.

Antihyperglycaemic and Antihyperlipidaemic Activities of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Eleusine coracana (Linn.) Gaertn. in Alloxan-Induced Hyperglycaemic Rats

Antihyperglycaemic and Antihyperlipidaemic Activities of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Eleusine coracana (Linn.) Gaertn. in Alloxan-Induced Hyperglycaemic Rats

English

English

ANTIDIABETIC EFFECTS OF INDONESIAN BAY LEAVES (SYZYGIUM POLYANTHUM) EXTRACTS THROUGH DECREASING ADVANCED GLYCATION END PRODUCTS AND BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVEL ON ALLOXAN-INDUCED HYPERGLYCEMIC WISTAR RATS

Objective: Increased production of reactive oxygen species is one of the causes of hyperglycemia. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of Indonesian bay leaves (Syzygium polyanthum) extracts as an antidiabetic agent in decreasing blood glucose and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) level of alloxan-induced hyperglycemic Wistar rats.Methods: This research is a real experimental study with pre- and post-test control group design. The study begins with the induction of hyperglycemia in 40 Wistar rats using alloxan. Subsequently, hyperglycemic rats were divided into 6 groups, namely, the positive control group (P0); the treatment group by not giving the intake of Indonesian bay leaf (P1); the treatment group was given the extract of Indonesian bay leaves (S. polyanthum) 0.5 mg/kg body weight/day (P2); treatment group given Indonesian bay leaves extract 2.0 mg/kg body weight/day (P3); treatment group given Indonesian bay leaves 5.0 mg/kg body weight/day (P4), and P5 was treatment group with glibenclamide (hyperglycemia-lowering medication).Results: In the treatment of P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5 groups, it can be seen that there are decreases of blood glucose and AGEs level between pre- and post-test comparison. However, the most significant drop in mean plasma glucose level was observed at the dosage 5.0 mg kg-1 (P4).Conclusion: The administration of Indonesian bay leaf extracts at a dose of 5.0 mg/kg body weight/day have an antidiabetic effect through decreasing blood glucose and AGEs level in alloxan-induced hyperglycemic Wistar rats.

Hypoglycemic Effect of the Methylene Chloride-methanolic Extract of the Fresh and Dried Fruits of Gongronema latifolium in Normoglycemic and Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats

Objective: The study investigated the hypoglycemic effect of the methylene chloride/methanol (1:1) extracts (methylene methanolic extracts) of fresh and dried fruits of Gongronema latifolium in both normoglycemic and alloxan-induced diabetic animals. Activities of these extracts were also tested in combination with reference antidiabetic drug – Glibenclamide. Methods: Qualitative screening for secondary metabolites and acute toxicities of the extracts were carried out using standard methods and modified Lorke’s method respectively. Diabetes was induced intraperitoneally using alloxan monohydrate (120 mg/kg) and blood samples drawn by tail milking at 0 hr, 30 minutes, 1hr, 2hrs, and 4 hours respectively for the determination of blood glucose. The extracts were tested at 50 and 100 mg/kg while the combination study was tested at 50 mg/kg of the extracts + 5 mg/kg gibenclamide in both alloxan-induced diabetic and normoglycemic rats. Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed presence of varying amount of secondary metabolites like alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, steroids, terpenoids, saponins and resins. The acute toxicity tests indicated no obvious sign of toxicity or mortality. The fresh and dried fruit extracts produced significant (p< 0.05) dose-dependent hypoglycemic activities in both normoglycemic and alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats. Co-administration of the fresh fruit extract at 50 mg/kg and glibenclamide at 5 mg/kg showed a significantly (p < 0.05) increased activity over glibenclamide alone throughout the duration of the experiment. Conclusion: This study establishes the antidabetic activities of the fresh and dried fruits of G. latifolium and proves the treatment benefit in combining the methylene methanolic extract of this fruit with a standard oral hypoglycemic agent.

Aqueous extract of Persea americana leaves ameliorates alloxan-induced hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia in rats

Decoctions of Persea americana Mill (Lauraceae) leaves are employed to manage diabetes mellitus among the Ibo communities of Eastern Nigeria. In this study, we studied the ameliorative effects of the aqueous extract of P. americana leaves (AEPAL) on alloxan-induced hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia in Wistar rats. The oral median lethal dose (LD50) of AEPAL was determined in rats. The effects of extract on blood glucose and lipids levels; and biochemical parameters were evaluated. The effects of AEPAL on relative organs weights, body weight changes as well as food and water consumption were monitored for 28 days in alloxan-induced hyperglycaemic rats and histopathological changes of the pancreas examined. The estimated oral LD50 of AEPAL was greater than 5000 mg kg–1. AEPAL (125–500 mg kg–1) significantly reduced the fasting blood glucose levels and hyperlipidaemia in the alloxan-induced hyperglycaemic rats. The extract significantly reversed the decreased body weight, increased food and water intake; and attenuated elevated levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), urea, total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in alloxan-induced hyperglycaemic rat. Histological examination of the pancreas showed regeneration of the β–cells of the Islet of Langerhans in the extract treated alloxan-induced hyperglycaemic rat. Our findings revealed that AEPAL contains biologically active components with potential hypoglycaemic activity, thus supporting its further development for the management of diabetic mellitus. Key words: Persea americana, acute toxicity, antidiabetic, β–cells, metformin.

ANTI-HYPERGLYCEMIC AND ANTI-OXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF GONGRONEMA LATIFOLIUM

Objective: Gongronema latifolium (Asclepiadiaceae) is used as bitter spice or flavouring agent in many traditional Nigerian dishes. It is well known for medicinal and nutritional purposes like anti-hyperglycemic, anti-oxidant, antitussive and widely distributed in the southeastern states of Nigeria. Objective of present study was to evaluate the anti-hyperglycemic and anti-oxidant effect of the methanol extract of Gongronema latifolium leaves. Methods: The methanol extract of G. latifolium at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg were studied for anti-hyperglycemic effect in alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats. The variation in blood glucose level in normal and experimental rats on 0, 7, 14 and 21 days of treatment has also been recorded. The effect of different treatment on body weight of rats was also determined. The antioxidant properties of the extracts as determined by the DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Results: Treatment with G. latifolium extract showed signs of recovery as comparable with the standard drug glibenclamide (0.25 mg/kg). The result showed that G. latifolium extract caused a concentration dependent percentage increase of antioxidant activity. Conclusion: Study concludes that methanol leaf extract of G. latifolium possesses significant anti-hyperglycemic and anti-oxidant activities. Peer Review History: Received 1 March 2017; Revised 7 April; Accepted 5 May, Available online 15 May 2017 Academic Editor: Dr. Emmanuel O. Olorunsola, Department of Pharmaceutics &amp; Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Uyo, Nigeria, olorunsolaeo@yahoo.com Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 4.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.5/10 Reviewer(s) detail: Dr. Heba M. Abd El-Azim, Damanhour University, Egypt, h_m_abdelazim@hotmail.com Dr. Leyla Açık, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey, leylaacik@gmail.com Similar Articles: ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTI-OXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF BAPHIA NITIDA

Histopathological and biochemical assessments of Costus afer stem on alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

In continuation of our study of the biological activity of the aqueous extract of Costus afer stem used in tradomedicare in Nigeria, this work has investigated the biochemical, nephroprotective, hepatoprotective and protective effects of aqueous extract of C. afer stem on alloxan-induced hyperglycaemic albino Wistar rats. Thirty male albino Wistar rats (150-200 g) were weight-matched into six groups of five rats each. Groups 1 and 2 were the normal (non-induced) and toxic (alloxan-induced) controls, respectively. Groups 3-6 were induced and treated with 1, 2 and 3 g/kg of the aqueous extract of C. afer stem and glibenclamide (5 mg/kg), respectively. Food and fluid intake, body weight, absolute and relative weight of organs (liver, pancreas, and kidneys) and biochemical parameters were measured. There was a significant reduction in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin triglyceride, creatinine, urea and electrolyte when compared with toxic control group. The liver marker enzymes were restored in all the treated groups. The aqueous stem extract possessed hypoglycaemic effect and reversed the histopathological damage in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. This study suggests that aqueous stem extract of C. afer possesses both hypoglycaemic and organ protective properties.

Glucose and Lipid Lowering Potentials of Heliotropium indicum L. Leaves in Alloxan-Induced Hyperglycaemic Rats

The antidiabetic potentials of Heliotropium indicum L. leaf aqueous (HILA) extract used for the management of diabetes by Traditional Medicinal Practitioners (TMPs) in Nigeria was assessed. Alloxan (ALX)-induced hyperglycaemic rats were orally administered with known folkloric dosage of 30 and 75 mg/kg b. wt. of HILA extract, once a day, for 14 days. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were monitored and pancreatic histology was examined. Net hepatic glycogen (GLY) concentration and lipid profiles were also determined. Prior to treatment, ALX-induced hyperglycaemia (&gt;250 mg/dL) was established in rats. Oral administration of 30 and 75 mg/kg b. wt. HILA extract to diabetic rats for 14 days caused significant reduction in FBG to baseline values observed in non-diabetic conditions. Treatment with HILA extract also showed improvement in lipid abnormalities observed in hyperglycaemic condition, levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were significantly reduced and HDL-cholesterol increased resulting in improved artherogenic index. Hepatic GLY concentration was significantly increased in diabetic rat treated with the extract. Histological examinations showed degenerated and sparse pancreatic islets β-cells in non-treated diabetic rat, whereas microscopy of treated rats showed mild to normal architecture with enriched β-cells. Preliminary phytochemical profiling of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloids (2.54 mg/g), saponins (0.28 mg/g), phenols (0.04 mg/g) and anthraquinones (0.01 mg/g). Results from this study revealed that the aqueous leaf extract of H. indicum possesses not only antihyperglycaemic, but also antidyslipidemic activities, that may prove to be of clinical importance in the management of diabetes and associated secondary complications.

Phytochemical Content and Protective Effect of Kleinhovia hospital Leaves Extract on Pancreatic Cytotoxicity in Hyperglycemic Rats (KANDUNGAN FITOKIMIA DAN EFEK PROTEKTIF EKSTRAK DAUN PALIASA (KLEINHOVIA HOSPITA Linn) PADA SITOTOKSISITAS PANKREAS TIKUS HIPERGLIKEMIA)

Diabetes mellitus is a wide problem nowadays. Many traditional plants are used to overcome thecomplication of this disease. One of them is paliasa (Kleinhovia hospital Linn) leaves. This study aimswere to investigate phytochemical contents and the protective effects of paliasa leaves extract on pancreaticcytotoxicitybased on microscopic lesion such as hemorrhagic score and necrotic appearances, in alloxaninducedhyperglycemic rats. Male Wistar rats (three months old) were divided into four groups consistedofseven rats each. Group I was diabetic control, Group II was diabetic groups, paliasa extract (300mg/kgBW) were given by sonde for a period of 14 days prior to alloxan injection (150 mg/kg intraperitoneal).Group III was diabetic rats given 600 mg/kg BW paliasa extract and group IV was diabetic rats given 900mg for 14 days. At the end of the study, rats were sacrificed. Tissue sample ofpancreaswas then processedfor slide preparation and was stain with hematoxylin eosin.Pancreas hemorrhagic score was divided intofour criteria, focal(score 1), multifocal (score 2), extensive (score 3), and difuse (most severe, score 4).Microscopic examination was done using binocular microscope, at Laboratory ofVeterinaryPathology,Disease Investigation Centre Denpasar, Bali. Data werethenanalyzed by using analysis ofvarians. Study showed that paliasa extract could lower hemorrhagic score on pancreas of diabetic rats,even though it was not significant compared to control group (p 0,205). Phytochemical analysis showedthat paliasa leaves extract contained alkaloid, terpenoid, and flavonoid. Necrotic appearances were variedfrom pycnosis, karyorheksis, karyolysis, and vacuolization. In conclusion, paliasa leave extract may haveprotective effect on pancreas cytotoxicity.

Acute and Chronic anti-hyperglycemic effect of Prosopis ruscifolia extract in Normoglycemic and Alloxan-Induced Hyperglycemic Rats

Preliminary evaluation of hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects of Prosopis ruscifolia Griseb. leaves extract in miceMaría S. Soverina, Miguel A. Campuzano-Bublitz, Juan R. Centurión, Antonia K. Galeano, María L. Kennedy

Blood Na+/K+ and Cl- Levels of Hyperglycemic Rats Administered with Traditional Herbal Formulations

Background/Aim: The present study investigated alterations in blood Na + /K + and Cl levels of alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats (HyGR) administered with single and combinatorial herbal formulations of leaf extracts of Acanthus montanus, Emilia coccinea, Hibiscus rosa sinensis and Asystasia gangetica. Materials and Methods: Serum electrolytes concentrations were measured using the ion selective electrode analyzer. Results: Serum Na + concentration (SNC) of the untreated HyGR (DIAB group) was significantly (p 0.05) from those treated with SHf. Also, SCC of HyGR treated with triple herbal formulations (THf) was not significantly different (p>0.05) from HyGR treated with double herbal formulations (DHf), THf and quadruple herbal formulation (QHf). SNC exhibited a strong positive correlation with SCC (r=0.703231543). Conversely, SNC versus SKC (r=0.386096385) and SKC versus SCC (r=0.454718488) gave weak positive correlations. Conclusion: The present study showed that the various herbal formulations, in the present form, exhibited varied limited capabilities but substantial potentials to reversing altered blood electrolytes levels of HyGR within the 30day treatment. Furthermore, definitive blood Na + /K + and Cl levels could be of diagnostic relevance in the course of management and treatment of DM.

Renal and Hepatic Antioxidant Status of Hyperglycemic Rats Treated with Single and Combinatorial Herbal Formulations.

Background/Aim: The present study ascertained the comparative capacities of single and combinatorial herbal formulations of Acanthus montanus, Emilia coccinea, Hibiscus rosasinensis and Asystasia gangetica to exert glycemic control and ameliorate oxidative stress in renal and hepatic tissues of alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats (HyGR) following 30 days treatment. Materials and Methods: Phytochemical composition of the herbal extracts and fasting plasma glucose concentration (FPGC) of the rats were measured by standard methods. The post mitochondrial supernatant fractions (PMSF) of renal and hepatic tissues homogenates were measured for activity levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPOx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) as well as glutathione (GSH) concentration. Results: Comparatively, flavonoids were the most abundant phytochemical present in the four herbal extracts. FPGC of treated HyGR was with in the range of 66.30±0.71-133.00±0.63 mg/dL compared to the untreated hyperglycemic rat group=368.20±0.72 mg/dL (p<0.05). At the end of the experimental time, treated HyGR liver SOD activities were lower than that of normal group (p<0.05). Liver and kidney GPOx activities of HyGR were 2.36 folds and 3.93 folds lower than the normal rats. Furthermore, liver and kidney CAT activities of the treated HyGR were significantly (p<0.05) lower than the normal rats, whereas liver and kidney GSH/GSSG ratios were significantly (p<0.05) increased when compared with treated HyGR. Conclusion: Combinatorial herbal formulations exerted greater glycemic control than the single herbal formulations and caused a sparing effect on renal and hepatic antioxidants against reactive oxygen species.

Blood glucose level and lipid profile of alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats treated with single and combinatorial herbal formulations

The current study sought to investigate the capacities of single and combinatorial herbal formulations of leaf extracts of Acanthus montanus, Asystasia gangetica, Emilia coccinea, and Hibiscus rosasinensis to reverse hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in alloxan-induced diabetic male rats. Phytochemical composition of the herbal extracts, fasting plasma glucose concentration (FPGC), and serum lipid profile (SLP) of the rats were measured by standard methods. The relative abundance of phytochemicals in the four experimental leaf extracts was in the following order: flavonoids > alkaloids > saponins > tannins. Hyperglycemic rats (HyGR) treated with single and combinatorial herbal formulations showed evidence of reduced FPGC compared with the untreated HyGR and were normoglycemic (FPGC < 110.0 mg/dL). Similarly, HyGR treated with single and combinatorial herbal formulations showed evidence of readjustments in their SLPs. Generally, HyGR treated with triple herbal formulations (THfs) exhibited the highest atherogenic index compared with HyGR treated with single herbal formulations (SHfs), double herbal formulations (DHfs), and quadruple herbal formulation (QHf). The display of synergy or antagonism by the composite herbal extracts in ameliorating hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia depended on the type and number of individual herbal extract used in constituting the experimental herbal formulations. Furthermore, the capacities of the herbal formulations (SHfs, DHfs, THfs, and QHf) to exert glycemic control and reverse dyslipidemia did not follow predictable patterns in the animal models.

Antioxidant Status of Liver and Kidney Homogenates from Hyperglycemic Rats Administered with Single and Combinatorial Herbal Formulations

Aims: The present study ascertained the comparative capacities of single and combinatorial herbal formulations of Acanthus montanus, Emilia coccinea, Hibiscus rosasinensis and Asystasia gangetica to exert glycemic control and ameliorate oxidative stress in renal and hepatic tissues of alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats (HyGR) following 30 days treatment. Materials and Methods: Phytochemical composition of the herbal extracts and fasting plasma glucose concentration (FPGC) of the rats were measured by standard methods. The post mitochondrial supernatant fractions (PMSF) of renal and hepatic tissues homogenates were measured for activity levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPOx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) as well as glutathione (GSH) concentration. Results: Comparatively, flavonoids were the most abundant phytochemical present in the four herbal extracts. FPGC of treated HyGR was within the range of 66.30 ± 0.71133.00 ± 0.63 mg/dL as against the untreated hyperglycemic rat group=368.20 ± 0.72 mg/dL (p<0.05). At the end of the experimental time, treated HyGR liver SOD activities were lower than that of normal group (p<0.05). Liver and kidney GPOx activities of HyGR were 2.36 folds and 3.93 folds lower than the normal rats. Furthermore, liver and kidney CAT activities of the treated HyGR were significantly (p<0.05) lower than the normal rats, whereas liver and kidney GSH/ GSSG ratios were significantly ( p<0.05) increased when compared with treated HyGR. Conclusion: Combinatorial herbal formulations exerted greater glycemic control than the single herbal formulations and caused a sparing effect on renal and hepatic antioxidants against reactive oxygen species.

Hepatoprotective and Pancreatoprotective Properties of the Ethanolic Extract of Nigerian Propolis.

Objective:Increased oxidative stress is associated with the progression of diabetic mellitus. In the present study, we investigated the effects of the ethanolic extract of Nigerian propolis (N. propolis) on markers of oxidative stress, histology of the liver and pancreas and glycaemia in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.Materials and Methods:Alloxan-induced hyperglycemic Wistar rats were treated with either metformin (150 mg/kg/d) or N. propolis (200 mg/kg/d and 300 mg/kg/d) for 28 days. At the end of the treatment period, the rats were sacrificed; blood was collected for biochemical analysis while their pancreases and liver were excised and processed for histological studies.Results:Serum oxidative stress markers and blood glucose concentration were compared between the treated and control rats. In contrast to the non-treated diabetic rats, blood glucose concentration were not significantly different between treated rats and control (P < 0.05) at 28 days of treatment with N. propolis and metformin. Serum malondialdehyde levels was reduced while superoxide dismutase levels were elevated in the N. propolis group; these levels were converse in the diabetic group, these differences are statistically significant (P<0.05) when compared with the control. Histologically, there was improvement in the treated group compared to the untreated group.Conclusion:These findings suggest that the N. propolis confers protection against hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress in both liver and pancreas of adult Wistar rats.

Glycemic Indices/Renal and Hepatic Antioxidant Status of Hyperglycemic Rats Treated with Single and Combinatorial Herbal Formulations

The present study ascertained the comparative capacities of single and combinatorial herbal formulations of Acanthus montanus, Emilia coccinea, Hibiscus rosasinensis and Asystasia gangetica to exert glycemic control and ameliorate oxidative stress in renal and hepatic tissues of alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats (HyGR) following 30 days treatment. Phytochemical composition of the herbal extracts and fasting plasma glucose concentration (FPGC) of the rats were measured by standard methods. The post mitochondrial supernatant fractions (PMSF) of renal and hepatic tissues homogenates were measured for activity levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPOx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) as well as glutathione (GSH) concentration. Comparatively, flavonoids were the most abundant phytochemical present in the four herbal extracts. FPGC of treated HyGR was within the range of 66.30 ± 0.71 - 133.00 ± 0.63 mg/dL as against the untreated hyperglycemic rat group=368.20 ± 0.72 mg/dL (p<0.05). At the end of the experimental time, treated HyGR liver SOD activities were lower than that of normal group (p<0.05). Liver and kidney GPOx activities of HyGR were 2.36 folds and 3.93 folds lower than the normal rats. Furthermore, liver and kidney CAT activities of the treated HyGR were significantly (p<0.05) lower than the normal rats, whereas liver and kidney GSH/GSSG ratios were significantly (p<0.05) increased when compared with treated HyGR. Combinatorial herbal formulations exerted greater glycemic control than the single herbal formulations and caused a sparing effect on renal and hepatic antioxidants against reactive oxygen species.