Planta Med 2012; 78 - PF11
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1320558

Antioxidant enzymes effect and hormonal changes of leaf extracts of Gongronema latifolium and Nauclea latifolia in diabetic rats

PE Ebong 1, GE Effiong 1, IJ Atangwho 1, GO Igile 1, BIA Mgbeje 1, EU Eyong 1
  • 1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, P.M.B 1115, Calabar, Nigeria

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of ethanolic leaf extracts of Gongronema latifolium (G.L) and Nauclea latifolia (N.L) antioxidant enzymes activity and hormonal status in diabetic rats. Thirty six (36) albino Wistar rats of both sexes weighing 150–250g were divided into 6 parallel groups of 6 rats each and treated viz: Groups 1 and 2 served as controls (Normal and diabetic) and received placebo, groups 3, 4 and 5 received 200mg/kg b.w of G.L,N.L and 100mg/kg b.w each of G.L and N.L respectively while the group 6 received 5 iu/kg b.w of insulin subcutaneously daily for 21 days. Fasting blood glucose was determined using glucometer at the start of the experiment, and thereafter at 72 hours interval and at the end of experimental period. The animals were sacrificed using choloroform vapours and whole blood collected for sera preparation that were used to assay antioxidant enzymes and some hormones using standard kit methods of Agape diagnostics, Switzerland. A significant decrease (P<0.05) was observed from initial concentration by 66.34%, 18.12% and 67.73% respectively in fasting blood glucose upon treatment with extracts compared to diabetic control and N.L. Also a significant decrease (P<0.05) in insulin and T3 levels was observed in all treated groups compared to NC with an increase (P<0.05) when compared to diabetic group. Whereas a significant decrease (P<0.05) was observed in T4 level of all treated groups compared to the NC. A significant decrease (P<0.05) was observed in insulin and T3 level compared to DC. However, a significant decrease (P<0.05) was observed in T4 level of all treated groups compared to the NC.A significant decrease (P<0.05) in antioxidant concentrations viz SOD and CAT were observed in all treated groups compared to normal control. The result indicates that beside the antioxidant properties of these plants, they can also help in ameliorating the hormonal status of the diabetic rats.