Brillantasia patula Aqueous Leaf Extract Averts Hyperglycermia, Lipid Peroxidation, and Alterations in Hematological Parameters in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

The protective effects of aqueous leaf extract of Brillantasia patula against hyperglycermia, lipid peroxidation, and alterations in hematological parameters in diabetic Wistar rats were investigated. The study consisted of six treatment groups, with five animals each, designated as Group-1 (healthy), Group-2 (diabetic control) and Groups 3-6 (diabetic rats treated with 500, 1000, 1500, and 2000 mg/kgbwt of extract, respectively). Rats were administered their respective doses orally, and daily, for 14 days. Thereafter, the effects on serum glucose levels, liver and kidney functions, lipid peroxidation, free radical scavenger and hematological parameters were analyzed. Blood glucose levels reduced markedly in diabetic rats given the plant extract relative to diabetic control. Both serum creatinine and urea decreased significantly in treated diabetic rats at extract doses of 1000 mg/kgbwt and above. Reductions in serum cholesterol (p<0.05) and triglyceride levels (p<0.05) were also observed. Elevated total serum protein and globulin in diabetic control was decreased in all treated groups. Haematological indices of groups given the extract were noticeably enhanced. Similarly, kidney, heart and liver glutathione (GSH) levels increased significantly in groups treated compared to diabetic control; lipid peroxidation in kidney and heart also decreased significantly in all the treated groups. Liver catalase activity improved. Serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferases activities widely lowered in Groups 3 and 4. The study indicates that Brillantaisia patula aqueous leaf extract exhibits potential hypoglycemic effect, prevents lipid peroxidation, boosts haematological parameters, and could protect liver and renal damage associated with diabetes especially at doses of 500-1000 mg/kgbwt.