Antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic potential of ethanol extract of Salacia lehmbachii stem bark in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Background Salacial lehmbachii stem bark is used traditionally for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and its associated complications. Treatment of diabetes is necessary to reduce these complications. Methods In this study, the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic potential of S. lehmbachii ethanol stem bark extract was evaluated in alloxan-induced diabetic rats at a dose of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg p.o. daily for 21 days. Blood glucose levels, serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) were assessed in the animals. Results Treatment of alloxan-induced diabetic rats with S. lehmbachii stem bark extract showed significant (p<0.01) reduction in blood glucose levels when compared with diabetic control. The elevated levels of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL were significantly (p<0.01) reduced by S. lehmbachii stem bark extract, while the level of HDL significantly (p<0.01) increased. Conclusions The results obtained suggest that S. lehmbachii stem bark extract has the potential to treat diabetes condition and hyperlipidemic disorders.

Antidiarrheal and antimicrobial activities of the ethanol extract from the Icacina senegalensis root bark.

BACKGROUND: The Icacina senegalensis root bark is traditionally used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in Nigeria. To date, no scientific study has substantiated or refuted this claim. METHODS: The antidiarrheal and antimicrobial activities of the ethanol root bark extract were investigated in rats and against some selected diarrhea-causing microorganisms. RESULTS: The extract significantly decreased the frequency of castor oil-induced diarrhea, and inhibited the masses and volumes of intestinal fluid accumulation in the castor oil-induced enteropooling method. The distance travelled by the charcoal meal was also decreased by the extract gastrointestinal transit method. The extract also strongly inhibited the growth of some selected microorganisms. CONCLUSIONS: The ethanol extract of the I. senegalensis root bark showed antidiarrheal activity, thus justifying its long folkloric use in diarrhea treatment. The extract also demonstrated antimicrobial activity against selected diarrheal causing organisms.

Nigerian Honey Ameliorates Hyperglycemia and Dyslipidemia in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats.

Diabetic dyslipidemia contributes to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Hence, its treatment is necessary to reduce cardiovascular events. Honey reduces hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. The reproducibility of these beneficial effects and their generalization to honey samples of other geographical parts of the world remain controversial. Currently, data are limited and findings are inconclusive especially with evidence showing honey increased glycosylated hemoglobin in diabetic patients. It was hypothesized that this deteriorating effect might be due to administered high doses. This study investigated if Nigerian honey could ameliorate hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. It also evaluated if high doses of honey could worsen glucose and lipid abnormalities. Honey (1.0, 2.0 or 3.0 g/kg) was administered to diabetic rats for three weeks. Honey (1.0 or 2.0 g/kg) significantly (p < 0.05) increased high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol while it significantly (p < 0.05) reduced hyperglycemia, triglycerides (TGs), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, coronary risk index (CRI) and cardiovascular risk index (CVRI). In contrast, honey (3.0 g/kg) significantly (p < 0.05) reduced TGs and VLDL cholesterol. This study confirms the reproducibility of glucose lowering and hypolipidemic effects of honey using Nigerian honey. However, none of the doses deteriorated hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia.