Ethulia conyzoides is a plant traditionally used in managing diabetes in Nigeria. Unfortunately, its antidiabetic potential has not been scientifically examined. The research investigated the phytochemical constituents, in vitro antioxidant, and antidiabetic efficacies of E. conyzoides leaves extract. Seventy percent methanol extraction of E. conyzoides leaves was done to obtain its crude extract. It then was partitioned with n-hexane and ethyl acetate to obtain three fractions (n-hexane, ethylacetate and residual aqueous). Then, they were subjected to various phytochemistry investigations: 1,1-diphenyl 2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity assay and in vivo antidiabetic effects in mice. The fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, weight change, feed and fluid intakes were determined using standard procedures. Phyto-profiles tests for the extract and its fractions revealed the presence of phenolics, tannins, cardiac glycosides, saponins and alkaloids. The result showed that the residual aqueous fraction had the nearest inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.011µg/ml to the standard ascorbic acid with 0.010µg/ml compared with other extract and fractions. There was a substantial (p < 0.05) rise in fluid and feed intakes and serum levels of FBG in the type 2 diabetic mice. Treatment of the mice using 100 mg/kg b.w. residual aqueous fraction for 21 days significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the fluid intake, feed intake and FBG and statistically (p < 0.05) improved the body weight. This study revealed that the residual aqueous fraction of E. conyzoides has antioxidant and antidiabetic activities against induced type 2 diabetic mice. Keywords: Antioxidant, Ethulia conyzoides, Fasting blood glucose, Phytochemical, Type 2 diabetes

Background: Complications of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) include hypertension, oxidative stress, liver disease, and kidney disease. These complications are the main cause of death and disability in diabetic patients. Objective: The study investigated the effect of residual aqueous fraction of Ethulia conyzoides L. extract on liver and kidney function as well as the histology of liver, kidney, and pancreatic islets of type 2 diabetic rats. Methodology: Thirty-six rats were divided into six groups (n=6). Group I (non-diabetic rats) and II (diabetic control) were given feed and water only. Groups III-V were treated with 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg, and 400mg/kg Ethulia conyzoides L. while group VI received 100mg/kg metformin for 28 days. The liver and kidney function were evaluated while the liver, pancreas, and kidney were processed for light microscopy. Results: A significant reduction (P<0.05) in total protein and albumin levels were observed in diabetic control rats when compared with diabetic rats treated with 400mg/kg Ethulia conyzoides L. A significant decrease in high-density lipoprotein was observed in diabetic control rats when compared with diabetic rats treated with Ethulia conyzoides L. The liver and kidney of diabetic rats treated with Ethulia conyzoides L. showed normal hepatocytes/central vein and glomerulus respectively. The pancreatic islet of diabetic control rats treated with Ethulia conyzoides L. showed near-normal positive staining of insulin/β-cell by insulin antibody. Conclusion: Ethulia conyzoides L. prevented liver and kidney damage in Type 2 diabetic rats by improving liver and kidney functions and maintaining the normal pool of pancreatic β-cells.

Oxidative stress and inflammation have been proven to be implicated in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Recent studies showed that Ethulia conyzoides had in-vitro antioxidant activity. This study investigated the in-vivo antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory potential of the residual aqueous fraction of Ethulia conyzoides in type 2 diabetic-induced male Wistar rats. Sub-acute antidiabetic studies were done with varying doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight) of residual aqueous fraction for 21 days. Blood glucose levels, serum insulin, and in vivo antioxidant and pro-inflammatory cytokines— tumour necrosis factor- ? (TNF-?) and interleukin-1? (IL-1?) —were measured at the end of the treatment. When rats were given different concentrations of residual aqueous fraction, there was a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in blood glucose, malondialdehyde (MDA), IL-1?, and TNF-? levels, as well as a significant (p < 0.05) increase in SOD (superoxide dismutase), catalase and insulin levels when compared to the diabetic control group. Furthermore, the 400 mg/kg body weight dosage concentration was found to be the most effective. This result suggests that the residual aqueous fraction of Ethulia conyzoides possesses significant antidiabetic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.