Anti-inflammatory Evaluation of the anti-diabetic effect of Rauvolfia vomitoria and Citrus aurantium decoction on streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a relatively common metabolic disorder which leads to complications that affects the heart, liver, kidney, and other vital organs. This investigation examines the biochemical effects of Rauvolfia vomitoria and Citrus aurantium decoction in the treatment of streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty-Eight (28) healthy Wistar rats, with average weights of 100 ± 20g, were divided into four groups, each consisting of five rats. Group I served as the normal control whereas diabetes was induced with 50 mg/kg body weight of streptozotocin in Groups II – IV. While rats in Groups III and IV were treated with 2 mL of plant decoction and metformin, respectively, rats in Group II served as untreated control. The effect of the decoction on the total protein, glucose, creatinine, lipid profile, ALT, SOD and CAT levels were determined. Results: Treatment of diabetic rats with the decoction resulted in a significant reduction in the blood glucose, total protein, creatinine as well as catalase levels compared with the untreated control (p < 0.05). Furthermore, administration of the decoction to diabetic rats caused a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the lipid profile parameters compared with the untreated control (Group II). These effects were similar to those observed with metformin treatment. Conclusion: These results show the hypoglyceamic potential of the plant decoction and presents a cheaper and readily available remedy for the management of diabetes in low-income countries.