Antidiabetic potential of methanolic and flavonoid-rich leaf extracts of Synsepalum dulcificum in type 2 diabetic rats

BACKGROUND: Synsepalum dulcificum is a plant indigenous to West Africa. The fruit is used to modify taste of foods to sweetness. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the antidiabetic potentials of both methanolic and flavonoid-rich leaf extracts of S. dulcificum (MSD and FSD respectively) in type 2 diabetic Wistar albino rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty three rats were randomly distributed into nine groups of seven animals each with group 1 serving as the normal control. Groups 2 to 7 were given 10% fructose in their drinking water for 14 days, after which 40 mg/kg of streptozotocin was administered. Group 2 animals served as the diabetic control, while groups 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 were treated with 30 mg/kg MSD, 60 mg/kg MSD, 30 mg/kg FSD, 60 mg/kg FSD and 5 mg/kg glibenclamide respectively. Groups 8 and 9, contained healthy animals, and were treated with only 60 MSD, and 60 mg/kg FSD respectively. Biochemical parameters such as liver and kidney function tests, lipid profile, as well as lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes were assessed in addition to histopathology. RESULTS: It was observed that daily oral administration of MSD and FSD for 21 days significantly (p < 0.05) improved the observed pathological changes as a result of type 2 diabetes. CONCLUSION: It could be deduced from results obtained in this study that methanolic and flavonoid-rich leaf extracts of S.dulcificum have antidiabetic potential in type 2 diabetic rats.