Biochemical effects of leaf extracts of Gongronema latifolium and selenium supplementation in alloxan induced diabetic rats

This study evaluated the effect of selenium and extracts of Gongronema latifolium on some biochemical parameters in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Forty male albino rats equally divided into eight experimental groups were used. Two groups served as normal and diabetic control and received placebo treatment. Four diabetic test groups were treated with G. latifolium extract, glibenclamide, combination of G. latifolium extract and selenium, and selenium, respectively. Two non-diabetic test groups were treated with G. latifoliumextracts and selenium, respectively. Treatment lasted for 28 days after which the rats were sacrificed and blood collected for biochemical evaluation. Variations in animal weights were also measured within the period of study. The results showed that treatment with combination of G. latifolium extract and selenium significantly reduced (P < 0.05) the weight, aspartate transaminase activity and glucose levels and increased superoxide dismutase activity, glutathione-S-transferase activity, albumin and protein levels. Treatment with selenium alone significantly increased catalase activity. There were no significant differences in alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lipid peroxidation.   Key words: Diabetes mellitus, Gongronema latifolium, selenium, alloxan.