The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of ethanolic leaf extracts
of Gongronema latifolium (G.L) and Nauclea latifolia (N.L) antioxidant enzymes activity and hormonal status in diabetic rats. Thirty six
(36) albino Wistar rats of both sexes weighing 150–250g were divided into 6 parallel
groups of 6 rats each and treated viz: Groups 1 and 2 served as controls (Normal and
diabetic) and received placebo, groups 3, 4 and 5 received 200mg/kg b.w of G.L,N.L
and 100mg/kg b.w each of G.L and N.L respectively while the group 6 received 5 iu/kg
b.w of insulin subcutaneously daily for 21 days. Fasting blood glucose was determined
using glucometer at the start of the experiment, and thereafter at 72 hours interval
and at the end of experimental period. The animals were sacrificed using choloroform
vapours and whole blood collected for sera preparation that were used to assay antioxidant
enzymes and some hormones using standard kit methods of Agape diagnostics, Switzerland.
A significant decrease (P<0.05) was observed from initial concentration by 66.34%,
18.12% and 67.73% respectively in fasting blood glucose upon treatment with extracts
compared to diabetic control and N.L. Also a significant decrease (P<0.05) in insulin
and T3 levels was observed in all treated groups compared to NC with an increase (P<0.05)
when compared to diabetic group. Whereas a significant decrease (P<0.05) was observed
in T4 level of all treated groups compared to the NC. A significant decrease (P<0.05)
was observed in insulin and T3 level compared to DC. However, a significant decrease
(P<0.05) was observed in T4 level of all treated groups compared to the NC.A significant
decrease (P<0.05) in antioxidant concentrations viz SOD and CAT were observed in all
treated groups compared to normal control. The result indicates that beside the antioxidant
properties of these plants, they can also help in ameliorating the hormonal status
of the diabetic rats.
