Hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic effects of Treculia africana Decne. Moraceae and Bryophyllum pinnatum Lam. Crassulaceae ethanolic extracts on Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats

Aqueous extracts of Treculia africana Decne. (Moraceae) and Bryophyllum pinnatum Lam. (Crassulaceae) are used ethno-botanically for treatment of high blood sugar and heart diseases. Diabetes mellitus is usually characterized by hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia leading to increased risks of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases [1,2]. The glycaemic status and serum lipid profile of normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats was studied with a view to elucidate the possible effect of ethanolic extracts of Treculia africana leaves and Bryophyllum pinnatum plants.

Eight groups of four animals were used for the postprandial tests and the evaluation of the serum lipids [3]. In four groups of Streptozotocin-induced diabetic (50mg/kg ip) rats were given 500mg/kg of the extracts which produced significant (p<0.05) reduction in blood glucose, triglyceride levels, and an increase in High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) level.

We concluded that this finding supports the scientific basis for the medicinal use of Treculia africana and Bryophyllum pinnatum in the management of diabetes and heart diseases.

References: 1. Chattopadhyay, R. and Bandyopadhyay, M. (2004) AJBR 8: 101–104.

2. Scott, M.G. et al. (1999) Circulation 100:1134–1146.

3. Egwim, E. (2005) JHP. 5:1.