Abrus Precatorius Methanol Leaf Extract Normalize Blood Glucose and Ameliorate Metabolic Dysfunction in Wistar Rats Administered High-Fat Diet Plus Streptozotocin

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM), identified as the eight major cause of reduced life expectancy by the Global Burden of Disease Study in 2019, is a chronic metabolic condition that is characterized by hyperglycaemia. Despite numerous research and interventions, the treatment outcomes have not been satisfactory. This study sought to evaluate the role of Methanol Leaf Extract of Abrus precatorius (MLEAP), in the mitigation of hyperglycaemia induced by high-fat diet (HFD) plus streptozotocin (STZ) in Wistar rats. Methods: A total of 25 Wistar rats were used for the study and grouped as follows (n=5): Group I (Control), Group II (HFD ad libitum for 3 weeks /STZ 35mg/kg bolus), Group III (HFD/STZ + metformin 200 mg/kg), Group IV (HFD/STZ + MLEAP 200mg/kg), Group V (HFD/STZ + MLEAP 200mg/kg + metformin 200mg/kg). Weekly body weight and fasting blood glucose measurements were done. After 21 days, animals were sacrificed following inhalational anesthesia with chloroform. Blood samples were collected in plain universal bottles and analyzed. Results: Serum glucose, triglyceride, low density lipoproteins, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate amino transferase were significantly reduced by MLEAP compared to diabetic control (p<0.05). Also, MLEAP significantly increased serum total protein, albumin, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase (p<0.05). On the contrary, combination of MLEAP and Metformin gave a non-beneficial outcome, probably due to drug-drug interaction. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the efficacy of the MLEAP, in mitigating hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, liver and renal dysfunctions as well as preservation. Abrus precatorius leaf holds promise in the treatment of DM and, prevention of complications associated with the disease. However, further molecular studies will be necessary to ascertain specific mechanism(s) of action of MLEAP leaf extract.