Antidiabetic and hypolipidemic activities of hydroethanolic root extract of Uvaria chamae in streptozotocin induced diabetic albino rats

摘要

Background Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder of multiple aetiology characterised by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action or both. It is a global epidemic ravaging both developed and developing countries. The situation will worsen if nothing is done urgently. In fact, the need to identify natural products with antidiabetic potentials is of great importance as supported by several research efforts all over the world, in search of antidiabetic plant based products that are safe and efficacious. Available literatures show that several phytochemicals with antidiabetic properties have been identified in certain plants amongst which include Uvaria chamae . The potentials of Uvaria chamae as an antidiabetic and hypolipidemic drug-candidate are thus tested. Methods Diabetes mellitus was experimentally induced after the rats were fasted overnight by administering intraperitoneally, 60?mg/kg streptozotocin. After 72?h, the rats with plasma glucose levels >200?mg/dl were classified as diabetic. A total of six groups containing five rats per group were used. One group of diabetic rats was untreated. Three diabetic groups, each were treated orally with 100, 250 and 400?mg/kg body weight of the extract. Another diabetic group was treated with insulin (0.5?IU/kg) subcutaneously. The control received 0.5?ml (2% solution) of acacia orally. The treatment was for 8?days. The effects of the extract on weight, plasma glucose and other biochemical parameters were evaluated using standard procedures. Results The diabetic rats treated with the extract showed significant reductions ( p Conclusion The study showed that Uvaria chamae caused weight loss and has good hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities that may reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.