Evaluation of the Properties of Gongronema latifolium in Phospholipon 90H Based Solid Lipid Microparticles (SLMs): An Antidiabetic Study

ABSTRACT

Context: Gongronema latifolium Benth Hook, (Asclepiadaceae) is a tropical rainforest plant primarily used in traditional folk medicine in the treatment of malaria, diabetes, hypertension, and as laxative. Objective: To study the antidiabetic properties of Gongronema latifolium-loaded solid lipid microparticles (SLMs). Materials and methods: The methanolic extract of Gongronema latifolium leaves were obtained and formulated into SLMs using lipid matrix comprising of fat from Capra hircus and Phospholipon® 90H. The SLMs were characterized in vitro by determining the particle size and morphology, pH stability studies, and encapsulation efficiency EE%. Also, the antidiabetic properties of the Gongronema latifolium-loaded SLMs were studied in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Results and discussion: The results show that the particle size of G. latifolium-loaded SLMs was within an acceptable range for SLMs. Highest EE% of 68% was obtained for SLMs containing 5% G. latifolium (batch F3). The formulations remained stable with insignificant pH reduction over time (p < 0.05). Gongronema latifolium-loaded SLMs had mean percentage reduction in blood glucose of 76% at 2 h, 42.3% at 8 h, and 24.4% at 12 h, while the group that received the reference-glibenclamide had 82.6, 61.7, and 46.7% at 2, 8, and 12 h, respectively, after oral administration of all samples. Gongronema latifolium-loaded SLMs had blood glucose reduction significantly higher than the pure extract and the glibenclamide (p < 0.05) at the concentrations used. Conclusions: Gongronema latifolium-loaded SLMs exhibited a good hypoglycemic effect and could be used for the treatment of diabetes.

KEYWORDS. :

• Capra hircus
• diabetes
• Gongronema latifolium
• hypoglycemia
• lipids