Effect of <i>Hibiscus cannabinus</i> (kenaf) methanolic leave extract on some biochemical parameters in an animal model induced with diabetes

Abstract

Background: Medicinal plants have long been used traditionally in the management and control of diabetes in Nigeria with reduced burdens of unwanted side effects associated with the use of synthetic anti-diabetic drugs in the market.
Aim: The present study was carried out to evaluate antidiabetic and hypolipidemic activities of Hibiscus cannabinus kenaf methanolic Leave extract in Alloxan induced diabetic rat by administering 2000mg of extract for 21 days.
Methodology: Body weight and glucose levels of an animal were measured on day 0, 7, 14, and 21.The blood glucose was determine using Glucose Oxidase method (Cheesbrough 2006). ELISA method was used to assess the thyoid hormones.
Results: Body weight and glucose levels was measured on day 0, 7, 14, and 21. The extract showed antidiabetic activity but not to a significant level and also decrease in body
weight. Administration of extract for 21 days also resulted in reduction of serum cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL cholesterol level was found to be also decreased but not to a significant level (p>0.05) as compared to diabetic control group. The effect was compared with diabetic control and normal control. The determination of blood glucose level by Glucose Oxidase method. The result shows the methanolic extract of Hibiscus cannabinus kenaf leaves lowered the blood glucose of hyperglycemic rats and Lipid profile level but does not showed a significant level. From the toxicity study it was observed that methanolic extract of Hibiscus cannabinus kenaf was nontoxic up to 4000mg/kg body weight.
Conclusion: It is concluded that Hibiscus cannabinus leaves extract does not has a significant antidiabetic activity, which lowered the fasting blood glucose level in Alloxan induced diabetic rat.