Effects of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Telfairia Occidentalis on an Alloxan Induced Diabetic Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Telfairia occidentalis is a leafy vegetable commonly consumed in West Africa, known not only for its nutritional benefits but also for its diverse medicinal properties. Traditionally, it has been employed in managing a variety of ailments, including diabetes mellitus—a chronic metabolic disorder marked by elevated blood glucose levels due to insulin deficiency or resistance. Given the increasing interest in plant-based therapeutic agents, this study investigates the antidiabetic potential of ethanolic leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis in experimental diabetic models. To evaluate the hypoglycemic and physiological effects of ethanolic leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis on body weight, pancreatic function, and blood glucose levels in alloxan-induced diabetic male Wistar rats. A total of thirty-five (35) adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into five groups (A–E) of seven rats each. Group A served as the positive control (non-diabetic), Group B was the negative control (diabetic untreated), and Groups C, D, and E received 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, and 600 mg/kg of the extract, respectively, after alloxan-induced diabetes. Extract administration was carried out for 14 days. Body weight, pancreatic weight, and blood glucose levels were monitored and statistically analysis expressed as mean ± SEM and data was analyzed using T- test and ANOVA followed by post-hoc difference in mean where considered significant at p < 0.05. The extract significantly reduced blood glucose levels in the treated groups, particularly by day 14. There was also an observable modulation in body weight and pancreatic weight in the treatment groups compared to the diabetic control. Conclusively, ethanolic extract of Telfairia occidentalis exhibits antidiabetic potential and may serve as a complementary therapeutic agent for managing diabetes and its associated complications in both humans and animals.