Effect of aqueous leaf extract of Senecio biafrae on hyperglycaemic and serum lipid profile of alloxaninduced diabetic rats

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus has been characterized by increased levels of oxidative stress, hyperglycemia and
hyperlipidemia which are implicated in the development of diabetic complications. Therefore, the aim of
this study is to assess the effects of aqueous leaf extract of Senecio biafrae on hyperglycemic and
hyperlidemia on alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Twenty five male and female rats weights between 140-200g
were used for the study and divided into five groups of five rats in each. Group A were non-diabetic rats,
the remaining four groups were induced interperitoneally with 150mg/kg of alloxan monohydrate. Group B
were diabetic control, Group C were metformin treated group, Group D were treated 200mg/kg of Senecio
biafrae aqueous leaf extract while Group E were treated with 400mg/kg of Senecio biafrae aqueous leaf
extract. The experiment period was 15 days, with the determination of their glucose level every two days. At
the end of the experimental period blood sample were collected and total cholesterol, triglycerides, very
low density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein and high density lipoprotein were assayed. Statistical
analyses of the results shows significant reduction in the blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low
density lipoprotein and very low density lipoprotein levels of diabetic rats treated with Senecio biafrae
aqueous leaf extract (with highest performance at 400mg/kg) compared to diabetic control. Also, Senecio
biafrae aqueous leaf extract treated diabetic rat’s shows significant increase in HDL levels compared to the
diabetic control. Therefore these results suggested that the aqueous leaf extract of Senecio biafrae
possess both hypoglyceamic and hypolipideamic effects.