Evaluation of the Antidiabetic Effect of Aqueous Crude Extract of Seed, Leaf and Stem of Linum usitatissimum on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by persistent high glucose level.  Linum usitatissimum (flaxseed) which is rich in fibre and essential fatty acid is one of the functional foods used in management of diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antidiabetic effect of L. usititatissimum seed leaf and stem on streptozotocin induced diabetic rats to see which part is more potent in the management of diabetes. Thirty (30) albino rats weighing 170-200g were used for this study and diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 55mg/kg body weight of streptozotocin. The albino rats were randomly divided into six (6) groups which are as follows: Group A; normal control, B; diabetic control group, C; standard drug (Glibenclamide), D-F were adminstered different parts of crude plants extract. The phytochemistry analysis showed that the seed possessed more bioactive component followed by the leaf and lastly the stem. The phytochemical present in Linum usitatissimum include: alkaloid, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpene, steroid, balsam, carbohydrate and phenol. Across the groups that received crude aqueous extract of L. usititatissimum was a significant reduction of blood glucose level, however, the seed (6.60 ± 2.450bc) showed more significant difference when compared to the leaf (7.65 ± 1.100bc) and stem (7.95 ± 2.650bc) respectively. On the other hand, the protein and albumin biomarkers were significantly (P ≤0.005) increased across groups.  Crude aqueous extract of L. usititatissimum also showed antihyperlidemic properties, improved serum enzymes and electrolytes levels. There was also significant positive impact on hematological parameters. In accordance with the results                 of this investigation, L. Usititatissimum seed part is a more potent antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic agent on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats although, the leaf and stem also demonstrated significant positive impact on biochemical and haematological parameters. This positive result might be as result of various phytochemical component present in the plant.