Effects of Hydroethanolic Rhizome Extract of Anchomanes difformis (Blume) in Type 2 (Streptozocin-Nicotinamide-Induced) Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus remains a huge public health concern. Anchomanes difformis Blume is an herbaceous plant with numerous folkloric uses. This study investigated the acute and sub-acute effects of hydroethanolic rhizome extracts of A. difformis (AD) on glucose level in normal and diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats. Type 2 diabetes was induced with streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) administration after nicotinamide (120 mg/kg) i.p. Diabetic rats were divided into five groups: diabetic control (distilled water 10 mL/kg, p.o.), A. difformis (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o.) and glibenclamide (2.5 mg/kg, p.o.). Group 6 was normal control (non-diabetic; distilled water 10 mL/kg, p.o.). Treatments were done for 21 days. Body weight and fasting blood glucose level of the animals were determined weekly. On day 21, blood samples were collected for serum biochemical and lipid profile assays. Vital organs were collected for assay of tissue antioxidant levels and histopathological assessment. AD produced significant (P<0.05-0.001) dose-dependent reduction in blood glucose level with peak effects at 500 mg/kg dose on day 21. 500 mg/kg AD elicited significant increase in the levels of SOD and CAT in the liver, kidney and pancreas. The level of ALP was significantly reduced in diabetic rats by AD (250-500 mg/kg). 250-500 mg/kg AD significantly reduced the levels of creatinine and urea, with significant increase in total protein levels. 500 mg/kg AD significantly reduced (P<0.05) cholesterol level. No significant histopathological distortions were observed in vital organs. The effects of AD extract were comparable to that of glibenclamide. Findings in this study suggest that AD possesses significant antidiabetic effect.