Antidiabetic potential of methanolic and flavonoid-rich leaf extracts of Synsepalum dulcificum in type 2 diabetic rats

BACKGROUND Synsepalum dulcificum is a plant indigenous to West Africa. The fruit is used to modify taste of foods to sweetness. OBJECTIVES This study aims to investigate the antidiabetic potentials of both methanolic and flavonoid-rich leaf extracts of S. dulcificum (MSD and FSD respectively) in type 2 diabetic Wistar albino rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty three rats were randomly distributed into nine groups of seven animals each with group 1 serving as the normal control. Groups 2 to 7 were given 10% fructose in their drinking water for 14 days, after which 40 mg/kg of streptozotocin was administered. Group 2 animals served as the diabetic control, while groups 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 were treated with 30 mg/kg MSD, 60 mg/kg MSD, 30 mg/kg FSD, 60 mg/kg FSD and 5 mg/kg glibenclamide respectively. Groups 8 and 9, contained healthy animals, and were treated with only 60 MSD, and 60 mg/kg FSD respectively. Biochemical parameters such as liver and kidney function tests, lipid profile, as well as lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes were assessed in addition to histopathology. RESULTS It was observed that daily oral administration of MSD and FSD for 21 days significantly (p < 0.05) improved the observed pathological changes as a result of type 2 diabetes. CONCLUSION It could be deduced from results obtained in this study that methanolic and flavonoid-rich leaf extracts of S.dulcificum have antidiabetic potential in type 2 diabetic rats.