Effects of <i>Vernonia amygdalina</i> in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Albino Rats

Abstract

Vernonia amygdalina (Del.) has been documented as a traditional treatment for diabetes mellitus. Following the intraperitoneal administration of alloxan monohydrate to Wistar strain albino rats, the course of diabetes was monitored by estimations of fasting plasma glucose, triacylglycerol, cholesterol and β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations. Feed consumption and body weight changes were also monitored. One week oral administration of an aqueous extract of the V. amygdalina root to the diabetic rats significantly (P < 0.05) decreased plasma total triacylglycerol from 1.96 ± 0.02 to 0.80 ± 0.04mmolL^-1, total cholesterol from 3.17± 0.06 to 1.60 ± 0.03mmolL^-1 and β-hydroxybutyrate from 2.21 ± 0.17 to 0.61 ± 0.09mmolL^-1. Results suggested that V. amygdalina root can ameliorate the development of hyperlipidaemia, hypercholesterolaemia and hyperketonaemia associated with diabetes mellitus.

Key words: Vernonia amygdalina, alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus, triacylglycerol, cholesterol, β-hydroxybutyrate

Journal of Medical Laboratory Sciences Vol.12(1) 2003: 25-31