Effects of Prolonged Administration of Aqueous Extract of Ocimum gratissimum (Scent Leaf) on Blood Glucose and Lipid Profile in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Albino Rats

Abstract

This study was aimed at comparing the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activities of various doses (1.0, 2.0 mL and 3.0 mL) of aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum and glibenclamide (a reference hypoglycemic drug). Ninety (90) male wistar albino rats were used. The rats were divided into six groups (A, B, C, D, E and F) of five rats each. The experiment was replicated three times. The first group, A was non diabetic while B to F was made diabetic using alloxan. Results obtained showed that there was a significant difference (P<0.05) in blood glucose level (mg/dL) following the administration of Ocimum gratissimum leaf extract in groups D and E (139.96 ± 7.2 mg/dL and 106.64 ± 4.30 mg/dL) when compared to the diabetic control group B (299.34 ± 1.30 mg/dL). Administration of glibenclamide (antidiabetic drug) also resulted in a significant drop in the blood glucose levels between week 1 and 4. The effects of Ocimum gratissimum and glibenclamide on the blood glucose level are significantly the same at the final week (week 4). The effect of 2.0 mL and 3.0 mL (groups C and D) of aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum on total cholesterol, triglycerides and low d. lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) compared favorably with the reference drug (glibenclamide) whereby they all have significant difference (P<0.05) on these biochem. parameters when compared to the diabetic control. All doses of Ocimum gratissimum aqueous leaf extract increased the level of high d. lipoprotein cholesterol (37.41 ± 1.07 mg/dL, 42.09 ± 1.22 mg/dL and 49.76 ± 0.63 mg/dL) when compared to the diabetic control group (32.27 ± 1.68). The effect of highest dose (3.0 mL) of Ocimum gratissimum extract on high d. lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (49.76 ± 0.63) compares favorably with the effect seen on the reference drug (glibenclamide) (50.15 ± 1.17). The results suggest that the leaf aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum at 3.0 mL dosage has antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effect and would be of benefit in the treatment and management of diabetes mellitus, controlling the blood sugar level as well as in preventing or delaying the onset of diabetes mellitus.