Bridelia ferruginea inhibits key carbohydrate digesting enzyme and intestinal glucose absorption and modulates glucose metabolism in diabetic rats

Abstract

The antidiabetic potentials of the dichloromethene, ethyl acetate, butanol and aqueous fractions of Bridelia ferruginea leaves were investigated using in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models. In vitro and ex vivo antidiabetic activities revealed the butanol (BFBF) to be the most active of the fractions, and thus selected for in vivo study. Diabetes was induced using the fructose-streptozotocin model. Treatments with BFBF significantly reduced blood glucose level and improved glucose tolerance, serum insulin level and sensitivity as well as suppressed hyperlipidaemia and serum nephropathy markers. Histopathological analysis revealed the ability of BFBF to protect and regenerate pancreatic β-cells. BFBF significantly elevated glutathione level, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities, while depleting MDA level in serums and kidney of diabetic rats. Phenols, steroids, terpenoids, aliphatic and aromatic compounds were identified in the fractions following GC-MS analysis. Overall, results from this study propose that BFBF possess potent antidiabetic activity.

Keywords:

• Antioxidants
• Bridelia ferruginea
• glucose absorption
• phytochemicals
• and type 2 diabetes

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to appreciate the Research office, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban and the National Research Foundation- the World Academy of Science (NRF-TWAS), South Africa for funding this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

All data used for this study are presented in the manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

The present research was financially supported by University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban and National Research Foundation (NRF), Pretoria, South Africa.