Investigation on the Efficacy of Crude Root Extract of Cucumis ficifolius A., Rich on Selected Biochemical and Histopathological Parameters in High-Fat-Fructose Diet-Streptozotocin-Induced Type-2 Diabetic Albino Wistar Rats
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Date
2020-09
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Addis Abeba University
Abstract
Background: Diabetes mellitus, mainly T2DM (type-2 diabetes mellitus), has resulted in largescale
and exponentially increasing burdens in health and socioeconomic aspects of various
populations worldwide. The plant Cucumis ficifolius A., Rich root parts have been used for
treatment of diabetes by traditional medical practitioners of Ethiopia.
Objective: This study was aimed to validate the efficacy of the crude 80% methanol extract of
roots of C. ficifolius on blood glucose, pancreatic islets of Langerhans β-cells, lipid profile, body
weight, and liver and kidney parameters on induced type 2 diabetic rats.
Method: The crude 80% methanol extract of roots of C. ficifolius was prepared using maceration
technique. Phytochemical screening (qualitative) and acute toxicity of the crude extract were
determined. T2DM rat model was developed by feeding “High-Fat-Fructose Diet” followed by
induction of single 30mg/Kg dose Streptozotocin. Total of 6 groups (n=7) of albino wistar rats:
three control groups (normal control, diabetic negative control and diabetic positive control
(metformin 100mg/kg) groups) and three experimental groups (diabetic+ crude C. ficifolius root
extract at 100, 200 & 400mg/kg doses) were used. The effect of crude root extract on blood
glucose, body weight, fasting serum lipid profile, histo-pathology of pancreatic islets of
Langerhans; liver and kidney biochemical and histo-pathological parameters were determined.
Data analysis was done by SPSS version-24 using ANOVAs. The p-value <0.05 was considered
as statistically significant.
Result: From crude 80% methanol extract of roots of C. ficifolius terpenoids, flavonoids,
saponins, glycosides, phenols, alkaloids and steroids were present. There was no rat death and
toxic sign at 2000mg/Kg acute test. Against diabetic negative control group, those groups treated
with crude plant extract showed dose dependent: a) blood glucose reduction which was moderate
in STT, continuing in progressive tests and significant (p<0.05) in 3-weeks long treatment; b)
admirable glucose tolerance in OGTT, and c) notable increase in mass of pancreatic islets of
Langerhans. Diabetic groups treated with plant extracts for 3-weeks displayed a dose dependent:
significant reduction of fasting serum TC, LDL-C, TG, ALP, ALT and AST; b) moderate decrease
in urea and fasting body weight; c) increase in HDL-C (significant) and creatinine (moderate), and
d) slight improvement in liver and kidney histopathology. Treatment of plant extract at higher
dose revealed better effect in pancreatic islets of Langerhans, HDL-C and creatinine than
metformin 100mg/Kg treated group, and fairly comparable effect in rest of parameters.
Conclusion: These findings scientifically confirmed that the crude extract of C. ficifolius root has
gotten antidiabetic activity in T2DM rat model. Molecular mechanisms of action and active
compounds isolation of this extract, fractionation, and trial on human system are recommended.
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Keywords
C. ficifolius, traditional medicine, anti-diabetic activity, type-2 diabetes mellitus