Evaluation of Anti-diabetic and Antioxidant Properties of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Jathropha tanjorensis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties of ethanol leaf extract of Jathropha tanjorensis. Freshly harvested leaves of Jathropha tanjorensis were thoroughly processed into extract. Twenty five (25) adult male wistar rats were divided into five groups of five rats each. Group I was the normal control allowed unrestricted access to food and water only. Group II was the negative control and was induced with diabetes without treatment, Groups III and IV were diabetic rats administered with ethanol leaf extract of Jathropha tanjorensis, while Group V was diabetic rats administered with the standard drug. After treatment had been concluded, animals were sacrificed and blood and tissue obtained were analyzed using standard procedures. A significantly (P<0.05) high blood sugar level was reported for diabetic rats which however was significantly (P<0.05) reversed with oral administration of ethanol leaf extract of Jathropha tanjorensis in a dose dependent manner. The activity of the liver antioxidant enzymes was significantly (P<0.05) reduced in diabetic rats which however was significantly (P<0.05) increased following oral administration of Jathropha tanjorensis leaf extract in a dose dependent manner across treatment periods. In conclusion, the study unveils the antidiabetic and antioxidant potential of J. tanjorensis leaf.