Ethanolic Extract of Chrysophyllum albidum Stem Bark Prevents Alloxan-Induced Diabetes

Chrysophyllum albidum (C. albidum) is traditionally used for the treatment of diabetes, but there is a paucity of scientific evidence to support its use. This study investigated the effect of the ethanolic extract of Chrysophyllum albidum stem bark (EECA) on alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats were randomly divided into groups and treated with 100-200 mg/kg EECA for 7, 14 and 28 days respectively. Metformin (150 mg/kg) was used as the standard control. Blood samples were collected at the end of treatment for glucose test, while serum samples were extracted and assessed for high density lipoprotein (LDLC), triglyceride (TG) low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) and total cholesterol (TC). Pancreas was excised and evaluated for oxidative stress indexes. Blood glucose, serum TG, LDL-C and TC levels were significantly (p<0.001) increased whereas HDL-C levels were significantly (p<0.001) decreased in diabetic rats when compared to non-diabetic. Also, pancreatic malondialdehyde levels were significantly (p<0.001) increased whereas superoxide dismutase, glutathione, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase levels were significantly (p<0.001) decreased in diabetic rats when compared to non-diabetic control. However, alterations in the aforementioned parameters were reversed significantly in a dose and time-dependent fashion in diabetic rats treated with 100 mg/kg (p<0.05), 200 mg/kg (p<0.01) and 400 mg/kg (p<0.001) of EECA for 7, 14 and 28 days respectively when compared to diabetic control. EECA showed potential as remedy for diabetes which supports its use in folklore for the treatment of diabetes.