Antidiabetic, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Organ-Protective Effects of Combined Ethanol Leaf Extract of Moringa oleifera Lam. and Chromolaena odorata (L.) in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Background: Medicinal plants play a pivotal role in traditional medicine systems worldwide and represent a rich source of bioactive compounds with potential antidiabetic effects. Phytochemical analyses reveal the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and phenolic compounds that contribute to its antioxidant and hypoglycemic effects. Aims: This study evaluated the antidiabetic effects and associated biochemical changes, including oxidative stress status, inflammatory response, lipid profile, haematological indices, and organ function parameters, of the combined ethanol extract of Moringa. oleifera and Chromolaena odorata leaves in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Study Design: Experimental animal study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology animal house and associated laboratories, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria, between 2023 and 2024. Methodology: Fresh leaves of M. oleifera and C. odorata were collected, authenticated, air-dried, and extracted using ethanol in a 3:2 ratio. Acute toxicity was evaluated using Lorke’s method in mice. A total of forty-six (46) male albino rats were used, comprising eighteen (18) rats for acute toxicity testing and twenty-eight (28) rats for the antidiabetic experiment. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate (120 mg/kg). Diabetic rats were divided into seven groups and treated orally for 14 days with 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg of the combined extract or 3 mg/kg glibenclamide, alongside appropriate controls. Fasting blood glucose and body weight were monitored throughout the study. At the end of treatment, blood samples were collected for biochemical, haematological, antioxidant, inflammatory, lipid profile, and organ function analyses using standard methods. Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, phenols, tannins, steroids, terpenoids, and cardiac glycosides, with alkaloids (16.46 ± 0.12 mg/100 g) and flavonoids (13.33 ± 0.16 mg/100 g) being most abundant. The extract was safe with LD₅₀ > 5000 mg/kg. The combined extract significantly reduced fasting blood glucose in diabetic rats, with 800 mg/kg reducing levels to 148.25 ± 16.60 mg/dl compared to 302.25 ± 73.65 mg/dl in diabetic controls. It also improved antioxidant status by increasing GSH, GPx, SOD, and CAT while reducing malondialdehyde (0.34 ± 0.01 mMol/L). Inflammatory cytokines, lipid profile, liver enzymes, renal markers, cardiac enzymes, and haematological indices were significantly improved. Body weight loss associated with diabetes was also reversed in treated groups. Conclusion: The combined ethanol extract of M. oleifera and C. odorata exhibits significant antidiabetic activity and protective effects against oxidative stress, inflammation, and organ dysfunction in alloxan-induced diabetic rats, supporting its therapeutic potential in diabetes management.