Antidiabetic effect of aqueous stem bark extract of Parinari macrophylla in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats

Abstract

Diabetes is a major public health problem with increasing prevalence globally. Plant-based medicines for diabetes are gaining popularity across the world due to perceptions of efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness. The plant, Parinari macrophylla, has been widely reported to possess potent ethnomedicinal properties especially in the northern part of Nigeria. However, there has been no scientific documentation of this plant to be used as an antidiabetic agent. The objective of this study was to investigate the antidiabetic effect of aqueous stem bark extract of P. macrophylla in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Phytochemical screening and acute toxicity studies were conducted. Wistar rats weighing between 100 and 150 g were used for the study and diabetes was induced using alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. The animals were treated with different doses of aqueous stem bark extract of P. macrophylla (1000 mg/kg and 2000 mg/kg) for 2 weeks. Blood glucose levels and body weight were then monitored. Histopathological investigation of pancreatic tissue was also conducted.