Anti-Hyperglycaemic and Anti-Oxidant Effect of Synedrella Nodiflora (L) Gaertn in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes in Rats.

Abstract

Background: Synedrella nodiflora is a common weed in Ghana that is boiled to treat epilepsy and threatened abortion. The ethanolic whole plant extract has been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, anticonvulsant, sedative, antidepressant and antipsychotic effects in murine models. The study presents the anti-oxidant and anti-hyperglycaemic effects of the ethanolic extract of the whole plant extract of Synedrella nodiflora (SNE) on a diabetic rat model. Method: Diabetes was induced using an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (55 mg/kg). SNE (100, 300, 1000 mg/kg, p.o) and insulin (0.1, 0.3, 1.0 IU/kg, s.c.) were administered for 8 weeks. Bodyweight and fasting blood sugar were measured twice weekly. Serum biochemistry, haematological indices, organ histopathology, MDA and SOD assay were done. Results: SNE induced a significant decrease (P< 0.05) in hyperglycaemia, with a corresponding increase in weight of the rats. The extract also reduced significantly the liver enzymes AST, ALT, ALP and increased albumin levels compared to the vehicle group (P< 0.01). SOD and MDA tests both showed significant increase (P< 0.05) and decrease (P< 0.01) respectively for SNE high dose of 1000 mg/kg, indicating antioxidant activity. Haematological indices showed a decrease in RBC and an increase in eosinophil count in the vehicle group (P< 0.05). Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of the whole plant of Synedrella nodiflora possess anti-oxidant and anti-hyperglycaemic effects on rat model of diabetes