Assessment of the effect of ethanolic extract of Justicia secunda on blood glucose levels and liver function in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) encompasses a range of syndromes characterized by elevated blood glucose levels and disturbances in the metabolism of lipids, carbohydrates, and protein. The liver is one of the many organs of the body that could be affected by DM. This study evaluated the effect of ethanolic leaf extract (ELE) of Justicia secunda on blood glucose level and liver function of alloxan-induced diabetic wistar rats. Twenty-five (25) female wistar rats weighing between 150-200g were divided into five (5) groups of (5) rats per group. Group N (Normal rats) received feed and water only, Group Un D (Diabetes untreated) received 150 mg/kgBW of alloxan monohydrate (AMH) intraperitoneally (IP), Group Met received 150 mg/kgBW of AMH IP + 30 mg/kgBW of Metformin while Group 200 mg/kg + D and Group 400 mg/kg + D received 150 mg/kgBW of AMH IP, + 200 mg/kgBW and 400 mg/kgBW of ELE of Justicia secunda leaf extract respectively. Administrations were given orally for fourteen (14) days. Data obtained were analyzed using one-way ANOVA (GraphPad Prism version 9.5.1 software package) and values were considered significant at p ≤ 0.05. The findings revealed that ELE of Justicia secunda exhibited a significant (p ≤ 0.05) dose-dependent reduction in blood glucose levels when compared to the diabetic control group. Also, there were lower alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphate levels, which may signify the hepatoprotective effect of Justicia secunda. In conclusion, ELE of J. secunda could be beneficial in the management of diabetes mellitus, and improve liver function in wistar rats.