Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a burden affecting both developed and developing countries of the world and it has been known to be associated with hyperglycaemia, lipid disorders and cardiovascular complications. This work was undertaken to ascertain the effects of the n-Hexane leaf fraction of Gongronema latifolium as an anti-diabetic agent using standard methods. The results indicated a significant percentage increase (p<0.05) in the body weight of Groups 2 (33.14), 4 (12.55) and 5 (22.01) when compared to Group 3 (-34.02); there was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the body weight of Group 3 when compared to Group 1 (10.12). The blood glucose results showed a significant percent decrease (p<0.05) in Groups 2 (66.76 ± 10.81), 4 (53.24 ± 5.61) and 5 (59.34 ± 11.41) when compared to Group 3 (9.91 ± 15.64) and a significant increase (p<0.05) in Group 3 when compared to Group 1 (3.78 ± 1.18). The liver enzyme AST (U/L) of Groups 4 (55.80 ± 1.36) and 5 (41.60 ± 2.01) increased significantly (p<0.05) when compared to Groups 1 (25.80 ± 7.55) and 2 (29.80 ± 2.75) and decreased significantly (p<0.05) when compared to Group 3 (69.80 ± 4.83). Groups 4 (44.40 ± 30.50) and 5 (53.40 ± 24.25) α-amylase levels (U/L) reduced significantly (p<0.05) when compared to Groups 1 (90.80 ± 31.08) and 2 (78.20 ± 21.15) and increased significantly (p<0.05) when compared to Group 3 (24.80 ± 17.84). Lipid profile (mmol/l) indicated a significant increase (p<0.05) in HDL-C of Groups 2 (1.83 ± 0.10), 4 (1.31 ± 0.11) and 5 (1.94 ± 0.15) when compared to Group 3 (0.30 ± 0.07) and a significant decrease (p<0.05) in HDL-C of Group 3 when compared to Group 1 (2.24 ± 0.22). TG, TC, LDL and VLDL showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in Group 3 when compared to Group 1 and a significant decrease (p<0.05) in Groups 2, 4 and 5 when compared to Group 3. Haematological parameters were also affected by the fraction. The results of this study suggest that the n-Hexane fraction of G. latifolium may possess hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic effects and seems to weaken the haematopoietic system.

Key words: Diabetes mellitus, Gongronema latifolium, alloxan, haematopoietic, hypoglycaemic, hypolipidaemic