Hypoglycaemic activity of biosynthesized copper oxide nanoparticles in alloxan‐induced diabetic Wister rats

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder that affects the body's ability to produce or use insulin. This study evaluated the hypoglycaemic activity of biosynthesized copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO‐NPs) in alloxan‐induced diabetic Wister rats. METHODS: CuO‐NPs were synthesized via the green route and characterized using different analytical tools. Diabetes was induced intraperitoneally using 90 mg/kg body weight of alloxan monohydrate in albino rats. Thirty (30) rats were randomly divided into 5 groups of 6 rats each and orally treated for 21 days. Groups I and II were treated with 300 mg/kg bwt Cereus hildmannianus extract and CuO‐NPs, respectively. Groups III and IV received 5 mg/kg bwt of Glibenclamide and 2 mL of normal saline, respectively, while Group V was left untreated as the diabetic control. Blood glucose (BG) levels and body weight changes were monitored at 3‐ and 7‐day intervals, respectively, throughout 21‐day treatment period. Lipid profiles, enzyme assays and histopathological studies of the liver were also carried out. RESULTS: Spheroidal tenorite phase of CuO‐NPs with a crystallite size of 62.57 nm, surface area (20.64 m(2)/g) and a UV‐maximum absorption at 214.27 nm was formed. The diabetic rats treated with 300 mg/kg bwt CuO‐NPs had the highest BG lowering ability (from 482.75 ± 27.70 to 124.50 ± 2.50 mg/dL). A significant difference (p < 0.05) in weight gain and serum enzymes was also observed in the CuO‐NPs treated group compared with other groups. The CuO‐NPs‐treated group had a significant increase (p < 0.05) in HDL‐cholesterol and a decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL‐cholesterol and VLDL‐cholesterol compared with other groups. CONCLUSION: The green synthesized CuO‐NPs nanoparticles significantly reduced (p < 0.05) blood glucose levels in rats and other associated indices and could serve as drug lead in the treatment of diabetes.