Effect of Co-administration of Aqueous Musa acuminata cavendish and Allium sativium Extracts on Streptozotocin - Induced Type 2 Diabetes on Wistar Rat

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of Musa acuminata Cavendish and Allium sativum aqueous extracts, both individually and in combination, on streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes in Wistar rat. A total of thirty (30) male Wistar rats were used in this study and were divided into six groups  of five (5) rats each viz, A, B, C, D, E and F (where group A =Normal control group, B= diabetic untreated, C= diabetic + treated with Musa acuminata extract, D= Diabetic + with Allium sativum extract, E=Diabetic + with a combination of both extracts, F= Diabetic + treated with glibenclamide. Blood glucose levels, body weight, and histopathological changes in liver tissues were measured and analyzed. Both Musa acuminata and Allium sativum extracts significantly (P<0.05) caused a decrease in the blood glucose levels, compared to group B. Group E exhibited the most efficacy and potency in terms of hypoglycemic effect, suggesting a synergistic interaction. Treated groups also showed improved body weight maintenance and normalized food and water intake patterns. Histopathological analysis revealed reduced damage to pancreatic tissues in the treated groups, especially in the combination group and glibenclamide induced group respectively. The study indicates that the co-administration of Musa acuminata and Allium sativum extracts can be used effectively in the management of patients with hyperglycemia.  The observed benefits are likely due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the extracts, as well as their ability to modulate glucose metabolism. The synergistic effects of the combination therapy highlight the potential for developing multi-component herbal treatments for diabetes.