Effects of Gynura procumbens leaf-based meal on glucose level, lipid profile and mineral content of alloxan-induced diabetic mice

Abstract

Gynura procumbens leaves are used as an anti-diabetic medicinal plant in Southeast Asia. A 28-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of Gynura procumbens (GP) leaf meal on growth performance, glucose level, lipid profile and mineral content in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. A total of thirty-six mice at 14 days old were assigned to four treatment groups: NC (Normal Control), T0 = Control (Basal diet), T1 = (Basal diet + 0.5% Dry leaf on DM basis), T2 = (Basal diet + 1.0% Dry leaf on DM basis) having three replications consisting of nine mice in each in a completely randomized design. The results showed that glucose level was significantly (P<0.01) reduced during the last 3 weeks compared to control of alloxan-induced mice. Three weeks of dietary supplementation of GP leaf at 0.5% and 1.0% levels significantly (P<0.05) increased body weight during the second and the third week whereas decreased, feed intake and water intake of alloxan-induced diabetic mice. A significant reduction of cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), low density lipoproteins (LDL) while increased high density lipoproteins (HDL) of induced mice compared to control (P<0.001). There were no significant variations in blood phosphorus, Ca and total protein. Moreover, in the proximate CHO, crude protein, crude fat increased while ash, moisture, crude fibre decreased in treatment groups compared to the basal diet. Overall, GP leaf showed trustworthy results on anti-diabetic effects included lipid profile.