Studies on the antidiabetic effects of methanol extract of Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth (Fabaceae) stem bark on alloxan-induced diabetic model

Objective: In this study, theanti-diabetic and associated effects of the methanol extract of the stem bark of Pentaclethra macrophylla (Fabaceae) on alloxan-induced diabetic rats were evaluated. Materials and Methods: The anti-diabetic effect of the methanol stem bark extract of Penta clethra macrophylla was carried out in the normoglycemic. Alloxan monohydrate was used for induction of diabetic condition.Liver and kidney bio-markers were evaluatedto ascertain the effects of the extracts on the vital organs. The normoglycemic and hyperglycemic rats were administered orally with different doses (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg) of the methanol extract of the stem bark of the plant. 5 mg/kg of Glibenclamide as control with 0.1 m1 of normal saline as negative control. The blood sugar levels (BSL) were measured using the ACCU-check glucometer.Results: Result obtained showed that the stem bark extract produced a dose-dependent decrease (P< 0.05) in BSLs of both normal and induced rats. At doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg of the extract administered, there was a significant (P< 0.05) reduction in BSL at 14 days with values of 20.6 and 31.1% for the diabetic rats respectively compared to 12.9% of the negative control. The LD50 of the crude methanol extract was found to be greater than 5000 mg/kg. Preliminary Phyto-chemical tests carried out on the extract reveals the presence of alkaloids, saponins, triterpenoids, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins and carbohydrate. In diabetic rats, the liver and kidney enzymes levels were significantly elevated which were further reduced after administration of the extract. Conclusion: From the results of this study, it can be concluded that the stem bark extract of Pentaclethra macrophylla have favorable effects in lowering the severity of diabetes together with hepatic protection.