Hypoglycaemic and Hypolipidemic Properties of Ethyl Acetate Fraction of <i>P. americana</i> Leaf in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Diabetes is a heterogeneous disorder with multiple etiologies resulting in major healthcare problem such as risk of heart disease, stroke and micro-vascular complications such as blindness, renal failure and peripheral neuropathy. The research was aimed at evaluating the antihyperglycaemic and antihyperlipidemic potentials of ethyl acetate fraction of Persea americana leaf in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Persea americana leaf was extracted by soxhlet extraction for 24hrs and concentrated in vacuo to yield Persea americana extract (PAE). Elemental compositional analysis of the extract was determine using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Hyperglycemia was induced by intraperitoneal administration of alloxan. Blood glucose levels determined using ACCUCHEK. Hypoglycemic activity was evaluated by measuring serum glucose level and insulin level. Hypolipidemic activity was evaluated by measuring various biochemical parameters like total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein and high density lipoprotein. Elemental compositional analysis of the Fraction reveals the presence of Zn, Cr, Mg, Fe, Cu and Mn. The levels of fasting blood glucose were found to decrease significantly in the treated groups in a dose dependent pattern with reversal in body weight lost as well as significant increase in serum insulin level compared with the diabetic control group. The results showed that serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein and very low density lipoprotein levels were statistically lower in the treated groups. The observed hypoglycaemic alongside with hypolipidemic effect can be associated with the levels of trace elements present in the extract. The present study support the traditional claim in the use of ethyl acetate extract of P. americana leaf as hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic agent.