The effect of extract of bitter leaf (<i>Vernonia amygdalina</i>) on blood glucose levels of diabetic rats

Abstract

Twenty-four (24) adult albino Wistar rats (twelve males and twelve females) were used for the study. The animals were divided into six groups of four rats in each. Proximate analysis was carried out on the plant sample with the following results: crude protein 22.45 ± 0.01%; crude fat (3.45 ± 0.0%); crude fiber (16.0 ± 0.0%) and Ash (9.95 ± 0.2%). Quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids (0.85 ± 0.11 mg), tannins (0.37 ± 0.2 mg), saponins (2.2 ± 0.0 mg), polyphenol (0.35 ± 0.11 mg), alkaloids (2.13 ± 0.10 mg) and HCN (12.25 ± 0.10 mg). Some of the vitamins analyzed included: Vitamin A 345.50 ± 0.0 IU), Vitamin C (228.40 ± 0.0 mg), Vitamin E (37.30 ± 0.01 mg), Vit.B 1 (1.0 ± 0.00 mg), Vit.B 2 (3.10 ± 0.00 mg), Fe (11.0 ± 0.0 mg) and Niacin (0.41 ± 0.0 mg) respectively. Hyperglycemia was induced in the rats using alloxan. The plant extract of Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) was administered to the rats orally at concentrations of 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10% before meals for 5, 10 and 15 days respectively after which, blood samples were collected from the animals and analyzed for glucose levels using enzymatic methods. There was a remarkable decrease in blood glucose level from the mean value of 4.44 ± 0.2 to 1.66 ± 0.2 mmol/L. The decrease in the blood glucose level of the rats following the administration of the plant extract suggests that the plant extract possesses anti-diabetic, anti-hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic effects on alloxan induced diabetic rats. The presence of phytochemicals, vitamins and other nutrients such as proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, ash and other components in the extract must have acted synergistically to potentiate the anti-diabetic role of the plant extract.

Comparative evaluation of antimicrobial properties and phytochemical composition of Artocarpus altilis leaves using ethanol, n-hexane and water

“…The saponin content obtained in seedless breadfruit leaves agreed with the saponin value of 2.2±0.00 mg/100 g of Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) reported by Nwaoguikpe (2010). The results obtained however contrasted with the values reported for various leafy vegetables consumed in Nigeria namely V. amygdalina (bitterleaf) (0.12± 0.02mg/100 g), Corchorous olitorius (ewedu) (0.13±0.01 mg/100 g), Talirium triangulare (water leaf) (0.12±0.01 mg/100 g), Solanum monocarrnum (garden egg) (0.28±0.01 mg/100 g), Telfaririn occidentalis (pumpkin leaf) (0.14±0.02 mg/100 g), Abeimorchus esculentus (okro) (0.24±0.13 mg/100 g), Manihot esculenta (cassava leaves) (0.25±0.11 mg/100 g) and Amaranthus hybridus (green leaves) (0.20±0.01 mg/100 g as reported by Agbaire (2012).…”

PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF Vernonia amygdalina: A REVIEW

“…It is the most cultivated species of the genus Vernonia that is about 1,000 species of shrub (Njan et al, 2008;Agbogidi and Akpomorine, 2013;Toyang and Verpoorte, 2013;Egharevba et al, 2014). V. amygdalina has been the most prominent species in the family of Asteraceae that had been studied in Africa (Ankit et al, 2010;Nwaoguikpe, 2010;Farombi and Owoeye, 2011;Ijeh and Ejike, 2011). Normally, V. amygdalina does not produce seeds but its cultivation is usually done by stem planting and mostly grow in tropical areas.…”

Ultraviolet spectroscopic evaluation of bioactive saponin fraction from the aqueous extract of <i>Vernonia amygdalina</i> [Esteraeceae] leaf

“…It grows in a range of ecological zones in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Some of the local names associated with this herb include "omubirizi" or "omululuza" (West and Central Uganda); "olusia" (Luo, Kenya); or "ewuro", "etidot" and "olugbo" (Southern Nigeria) (Nwaoguikpe, 2010). The leaf is used for both its nutritional and therapeutic benefits (Izevbigie, 2005).…”