Protective role of Pandanus tectorius Parkinson ex Du Roi in diabetes, hyperlipidemia, liver and kidney dysfunction in alloxan diabetic rats

Abstract Background Diabetes mellitus (DM), an endocrine disease is characterized by increased level of blood glucose. Diabetes may affect other functions of the body and organs including, renal function and lipid metabolism. Pandanus tectorius (P. tectorius) Parkinson ex Du Roi is a small tree used in folk medicine in treatment of many diseases. Methods Diabetes in rats was induced by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight for 3 days. Water and ethanol extracts of root, stem and leave of P. tectorius were given to rats at 200 mg/kg body weight at day 3. Rats were sacrificed on day 4 after 12 h fasting. Serum glucose and other biochemical parameters like liver enzymes; [alanine aminotransferases (ALT), aspartate aminotransferases (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)], kidney parameters (urea & creatinine), lipid profile [total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides] and coronary artery risk index (CRI) were estimated in blood serum. Antioxidant potential, polyphenol content and phytochemical constituents in different parts of P. tectorius were also determined. Results Results showed that water extract of stem and ethanol extract of root of P. tectorius produced maximum fall in sugar level of alloxan diabetic rats. Extracts of all three plant parts significantly dropped the increased level of urea and creatinine with maximum reduction in creatinine was observed by water extract of root. P.tectorius extracts showed positive effect on liver enzymes and lipid profile by bringing them closer to normal range in comparison to alloxan diabetic control rats. Phytochemical screening indicated presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins and saponin in P. tectorius. In DPPH free radical scavenging test the highest antioxidant potential was found in water extract of roots, while ethanol extract of stem also showed good activity. Conclusion The study demonstrated that different parts of P.tectorius have potential to attenuate diabetes and diabetes related complications like, liver, kidney dysfunction and lipid metabolism.