In Vivo Antidiabetic Activity and Safety In Rats of Cissampelos pareira Traditionally Used In The Management of Diabetes Mellitus In Embu County, Kenya

Abstract

Cissampelos pareira Linn has been used traditionally in the management of several diseases including diabetes mellitus but its efficacy and safety after long term use is not scientifically evaluated. The aim of this study was to determine in vivo hypoglycemic activity and safety of aqueous leaf extracts of C. pareira in white male albino rats. The extracts were screened for their hypoglycemic activity in alloxan induced diabetic rats using the oral and intraperitoneal routes. The safety of these extracts was studied in rats orally or intraperitoneally administered with 1 g/kg body weight daily for 28 days by recording the changes in body and organ weight, hematological and biochemical parameters and histology. Mineral composition of the extracts were estimated using total reflection X-ray fluorescence system (TRXF) while the types and quantities of phytochemicals present were assessed using standard procedures. Aqueous extracts orally and intraperitoneally administered at 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg body weight demonstrated hypoglycemic activity with the intraperitoneal route being more effective than the oral route. Oral and intraperitoneal dose of 1 g/kg body weight of the leaf extracts significantly reduced the body weight gain. The same intraperitoneal dose increased the liver and spleen, and decreased the testis weight; and reduced the hemoglobin levels, packed cell volume and increased the platelet count; increased the activity of aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase, and decreased the activity of alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyltransferase, and creatine kinase and histologically slightly injured the liver and spleen and orally increased the activity of alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine kinase, and decreased the activity of aspartate aminotransferase and γ-glutamyltransferase. The extracts contained phenols, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, sterols, and reducing sugars. Potassium, calcium, and iron levels in the extracts were below the recommended daily allowance. In conclusion, the observed hypoglycemic activity and slight toxicity could be associated with the phytonutrients present in this plant extract. This study recommends continued use of this plant as an herbal medicine.

Hypoglycemic Effect of Lippia javanica in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Mice

“…The aqueous leaf extracts of Lippia javanica, contained steroids that make them a good source of steroidal compounds which are potent precursors for the synthesis of sex hormones [42].…”

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“…Anti-atherosclerotic, reduces serum hyper lipidemia, useful in coronary heart disease [50] Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica) Prevents platelet adhesion, prolongs bleeding time by altering platelet adhesion and coagulation [51] Musta (Cyperus rotundus) Antiplatelet aggregating activity [52] Katukarohini (Picrorhiza kurroa) Antithrombic, anti-inflammatory [53] Devadaru (Cedrus deodara) Antihyperglycemic [54] Samangaa (Rubia cordifolia) Antithrombic, antioxidant, blood purifier, regulates blood pressure and vaso constriction [55] Shalmali (Salmalia malabarica) Hypoglycemic, antihyperglycemic, analgesic [56] Udeechya (Pavonia odorata) Antidiabetic, hypoglycemic [57] Chandana (Santalum album) Antioxidant, NO scavenging activity, reduces angina pain, anti-inflammatory [58] Anti-hyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, cardio protective [59] Dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa) Anti hyperglycemic, antioxidant [60] Anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive [61] Talisa (Abies webbiana) Inhibits platelet aggregation, useful in thrombo-embolic conditions [62] Kakamachi (Solanum nigrum) Antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic [63] Antidiabetic [64] Antioxidant, hypolipidemic [65] Lodhra (Symplocos recemosa) Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic [66] Padmaka (Prunus puddum) Analgesic, antioxidant, diuretic [67] Gunja (Abrus precatorius) Antidiabetic [68] Antithrombic [69] Antiplatelet, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory [65] Madanaphala (Randia dumetorum) Analgesic, anti-inflammatory [70] Antidiabetic, antihyperlipidaemic, anti-hyperglycemic, antioxidant [71] Danti (Baliospermum montanum) Antidiabetic, decreases blood sugar levels and serum cholesterol levels [72] Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica) Antidiabetic, decreases serum cholesterol, triglycerides and increases liver glycogen [73] Chavya (Piper retrofractum) Antihypertensive [59] Murva (Marsdenia tenacissima) Antiobesity [74] Patha (Cissampelos pareira) Antidiabetic [75] Karanja (Pongamia pinnata) Antihyperglycemic [76] Nya...…”

Hypoglycemic Effect of Ocimum Lamiifolium in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Mice

“…Diabetes mellitus may present with characteristic symptoms such as thirst, polyuria, blurring of vision, and weight loss [4]. In its most severe forms, ketoacidosis or a non-ketotic hyperosmolar state may develop and lead to stupor, coma and, in absence of effective treatment, death.…”

“…In its most severe forms, ketoacidosis or a non-ketotic hyperosmolar state may develop and lead to stupor, coma and, in absence of effective treatment, death. Often symptoms are not severe, or may be absent, and consequently hyperglycemia of sufficient degree to cause pathological and functional changes may be present for a long time before the diagnosis is made [4]. Among the complications associated with diabetes mellitus include microvascular complications which mainly affect the retina, kidney and peripheral nervous system and may progress to more overt serious complications, and macrovascular complications, mainly atherosclerosis, that may lead to cerebrovascular ischemia and stroke [3,4].…”

“…These include processes which destroy the beta cells of the pancreas with consequent insulin deficiency (Type I diabetes), and others that result in resistance to insulin action or both (Type II diabetes) [4]. The abnormalities of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism are due to deficient action of insulin on target tissues resulting from insensitivity or lack of insulin [4].…”