Effect of aqueous root bark extract of<i> Tetrapleura tetraptera</i> (Taub) on blood glucose and lipid profile of streptozotocin diabetic rats

Abstract

Background: Tetrapleura tetraptera (Schum. and Thonn) Taub is used in Africa as a spice and in folk medicine. Its documented biological activities include molluscicidal, hypotensive, anti-convulsant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycaemic and anti-microbial effects.
Objective: This study evaluated the potential role of the aqueous root-bark extract of T. tetraptera in the treatment of diabetes and its antihyperlipidemic effect in streptozotozin-induced diabetic rats.
Methods: T. tetraptera extract was orally administered to streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats at 150 and 300mg/kg body weight (Groups 3 and 4). The effect of the extract on body weight, fasting blood sugar (FBS) and serum lipid profile of the treated diabetic rats were compared with untreated control rats (Group 1) and untreated diabetic control rats (Group 2) after 35 days of treatment.
Results: T. tetraptera treatment caused a non-significant improvement of STZ-induced weight loss and significantly (p<0.05) reduced FBS in treated diabetic rats. Serum triacylglycerol, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentration significantly (p<0.05) reduced in treated diabetic rats while the HDL- cholesterol concentration of the 150mg/kg body weight treated group increased.
Conclusion: The antidiabetic effect of the aqueous root bark extract of T. tetraptera validates the folkloric use of this part of the plant as an antidiabetic remedy. The associated anti-hyperlipidaemic effect may be useful in the treatment of chronic diabetic complications.

Keywords: Tetrapleura tetraptera, diabetes, Antidiabetic, Antihyperlipidemic, Rats