Evaluation of Antidiabetic Potentials of Ficus capreifolia Extract in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

The study evaluated the antidiabetic potentials of Ficus Capreifolia extract in an alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The study used animal models (albino rats) and daily administration of the extract at various dosages. The study took place at the University of Port-Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria and its environs between June to November, 2020. Diabetes mellitus was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of freshly prepared alloxan (150 mg/kg body weight) except group 1 which was negative control (NC). Diabetes was confirmed after 48 hours in all the rats with fasting blood glucose levels above 250 mg/dl. The experimental animals were grouped into 5 of 10 rats each. Group 1 was non-diabetic rats used as normal control, group 2 consisted of diabetic control rats that received no treatment. Group 3, 4 and 5,  rats were diabetic rats but treated with Co-mepiryl  (SD), FC500, and FC200 (ficus capreifolia at 500,200 mg/kg).  Blood  were collected after 14 days and 28 days of treatment for biochemical assay of fasting plasma glucose, renal, lipid profile and  hepatic parameters. The dose dependent treatment significantly lowered (P<0.05) fasting glucose level, atherogenic indices, lipid profile (except in the case of High density lipoprotein which was significantly increased, (P<0.05) and  hepatic biomarkers  when compared with the positive control. It showed their antidiabetic potential by reduction in elevated glucose level, amelioration of dyslipidaemia, reduction in  hepato-renal biomarkers and showed  protective effect against coronary heart disease. All these, supports the use of the extract for the management of diabetes mellitus in African traditional health care practices.