International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VII, Issue VI, June 2020 | ISSN 2321–2705
Obiajulu Christian Ezeigwe*, Chukwuemeka Obumneme Okpala, Chidimma Stella-Maris Okeke, Perpetua Chiamaka Amuzie, Blessing Adaobi Okeke, Chiemeka Princess-Dolorosa Ikechukwu, Ejike Celestine Orji, Naomi Ngozi Nnadi
Department of Applied Biochemistry, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Nigeria
*Corresponding author
Abstract
Background: Azadirachta indica (AI) is used in the traditional management of diabetes in Nigeria. This study investigated the hypoglycemic potential of Azadirachta indica leaf fractions (AILF) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats.
Methods: Ethanol crude extract of AI leaf was fractionated with solvents of increasing order of polarity (n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl-acetate, and n-butanol). Phytochemical analysis was done using standard methods. Diabetes mellitus was induced in the rats intraperitoneally with 50mg/kg bodyweight of streptozotocin. Treatment with the AILF was done for a period of twenty-eight days to ascertain which of the AILF possess better hypoglycemic property. Fasting blood glucose levels were checked at one week intervals using One Touch Glucometer and Test Strips.
Results: Bioactive compounds detected in moderate and trace amounts in the AILF include alkaloids, cyanogenic glycosides, flavonoids, phenols, saponin and tannins. Induction of diabetes caused a significant (p<0.05) increase in the fasting blood glucose levels of the experimental animals followed by observable weight loss. Treatment with the AILF and the standard drug caused a significant weight gain in the animals in week 4 compared with the diabetic-untreated control. The group that was treated with 400mg/kg bodyweight of ethyl acetate fraction showed a better weight gain which was observed from the 2nd week to the 4th week of treatment.
The n-hexane and ethyl acetate fraction decreased the fasting blood glucose levels more significantly within the four weeks of treatment compared with chloroform fraction, n-butanol fraction and the standard drug. However, a better and significant (p<0.05) reduction was observed in the fasting blood glucose levels of the group treated with 400mg/kg bodyweight of ethyl acetate fraction from week 1 to week 4 of the treatment compared with the diabetic-untreated.
Conclusion: The data from this study suggest that ethyl acetate fraction of A. indica leaf has a better hypoglycemic property and can serve as a potential adjuvant for the development of an effective antidiabetic drug.
Keywords: Hypoglycemic, Bioactive compounds, Diabetes mellitus, Azadirachta indica, Fractions, Ethyl acetate fraction.