Antidiabetic, antilipidemic, and antioxidant activities of Gouania longipetala methanol leaf extract in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Abstract

Context: Gouania longipetala Hemsl. (Rhamnaceae) is used in folkloric medicine for treating diabetes mellitus and its associated symptoms.

Objective: This study evaluated the antidiabetic antilipidemic and antioxidant activities of the plant methanol leaf extract.

Materials and methods: Diabetes was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate (160 mg/kg). Three test doses (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg) of G. longipetala extract (GLE) were administered orally and the effects were compared with glibenclamide (2 mg/kg). The effect of GLE on hyperglycemia and sub-acute study for 21 d were carried out using its effect on fasting blood sugar (FBS) level. Serum biochemistry and antioxidant activity were evaluated. Histopathological evaluation of the pancreas was also done.

Results: The LD₅₀ of G. longipetala was found to be >4000 mg/kg. The extract significantly (p < 0.0001) decreased the FBS levels of treated rats from 16.2 ± 2.03 to 6.5 ± 1.52 mM/L at 150 mg/kg within 24 h. The extract decreased FBS levels of rats by 62.0, 74.8, and 75.0% on day 21 at 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg, respectively. GLE reduced the level of malondiadehyde from 23.0 ± 1.34 to 10.3 ± 0.43 mg/dL, increased superoxide dismutase activities from 2.97 ± 0.34 to 5.80 ± 0.53 IU/L at 150 mg/kg, and improved the serum lipid profile of treated rats. GLE also caused restoration of the altered histopathological changes of the pancreas.

Discussion and conclusion: Gouania longipetala demonstrated significant antidiabetic, antilipidemic, and antioxidant activities that may be due to its multiple effects involving both pancreatic and extra-pancreatic mechanisms.

• Fasting blood sugar
• glibenclamide
• histopathology
• hyperglycemia

Declaration of interest

The authors report no declarations of conflict of interest.