Ethanol root extract and fractions of Sphenocentrum jollyanum abrogate hyperglycaemia and low body weight in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar albino rats

Abstract

Objectives: Effects of ethanol root extract and fractions of Sphenocentrum jollyanum on fasting blood glucose and body weight of streptozotocin-induced diabetic albino rats were carried. Methods: Forty-eight rats were randomly assigned into eight groups. Groups 1 and 2 were diabetic rats treated with 0.5 ml of normal saline and 0.5 mg/kg b.w of glibenclamide, respectively while group 3 were non-diabetic rats treated with 0.5 ml of normal saline. Groups 4, 5 and 6 rats were diabetic rats treated with 250, 500 and 1 000 mg/kg b.w of extract, respectively, while rats in groups 7 and 8 were diabetic rats treated with 250 mg/kg b.w of methanol and ethylacetate fractions of S. jollyanum, respectively. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of 70 mg/kg b.w of streptozotocin. Fasting blood glucose levels were determined with glucometer. Key findings: Treatment of diabetic rats with the extract and fractions of S. jollyanum at varied doses significantly (P < 0.05) decreased glucose level in a dose-and time-dependent manner. There was an increase in body weights of rats during treatment. Conclusion: The extract and fractions lowered glucose levels and raised body weights of diabetic rats. This suggests that S. jollyanum possess antidiabetic property and could be useful in the management of diabetes.