RESUMEN
Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by derangements in carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolisms, due to deficiency in insulin secretion and action. This research evaluates the ameliorative potentials of aqueous extracts of leaves and stem of Ipomoea involucorata on selected biochemicals in experimental diabetic rats.Methods: Diabetes mellitus was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of 150 mg/kg body weight of alloxan and the animals were orally administered with gilanil (4 mg/kg) for positive control, 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg bw aqueous extract of leaves (groups 4-6) and stem (groups 7-9) of Ipomoea involucrata once daily for 21 days. Biochemical parameters were analysed using standard methods.Results: The median lethal dose was established at 648 mg/kg (leaves) and 547 mg/kg (stem). The negative group (untreated) showed significant increase in glucose concentration compared to the other groups. After 2 to 3 weeks there was significant (p<0.05) decrease in glucose concentration of the extract and glibenclamide (positive group) treated groups when compared with the negative group. Diabetes control rats showed significant (p<0.05) high serum lipid profile (except for high density lipoprotein), liver enzymes/ indices and renal indices when compared with non-diabetic control rats. However, these alternations were reversed with the positive group and the groups treated with aqueous extracts of both samples. The differences observed in the electrolytes were not significant in all groups.Conclusions: The results suggest that aqueous extract of leaves and stem of I. involucrata is considerably safe and a potential therapy for management of complications associated with diabetes mellitus.