Antidiabetic activity and acute toxicity evaluation of aqueous leaf extract of <i>Vernonia amygdalina</i>

Abstract

The present study was aimed to explore the therapeutic dose for antidiabetic activity and toxicological evaluation of Vernonia amygdalina (Va) aqueous extract in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Aqueous extract of leaves of Va was administered to alloxan induced diabetic rats in a dose of 150 and 300 mg/kg (orally) daily for 14 days. After this period, blood glucose level, haematological parameters and liver enzymes activities were evaluated. Also evaluated were food and water intake, urine output and body weight of the animals. The toxic effect of the aqueous leaves extract was evaluated by determining the LD50. Oral administration of the extract at graded doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg body weight showed significant decrease in the blood glucose level in diabetic rats (P<0.05). The defects in haematological and enzyme activities in the diabetic animals were restored. We concluded that at doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg, Va extract exhibited anti-hyperglycemic effect and showed statistically significant differences (p<0.05) in all the parameters evaluated. There was a significant improvement (P<0.05) in the weight of the diabetic rats, food intake and a decrease in the urine output. This study illustrates the potential usefulness of this extract and its safety on a vital organ of the body.

Keywords: Alloxan, Vernonia amygdalina, diabetics, aqueous extract, rats, safety

African Journal of Biotechnology, Vol 13(50) 4586-4593