Anti-hyperglycaemic activity of tuber extract of Chlorophytum alismifolium Baker in streptozotocin-induced hyperglycaemic rats

The tubers of Chlorophytum alismifolium (Liliaceae) are widely used in Nigerian Herbal Medicine to treat diabetes mellitus and their efficacy is widely acclaimed among the rural communities of Northern Nigeria. This study was aimed at investigating the antihyperglycaemic potential of the tuber extract of Chlorophytum alismifolium (CAE) in streptozotocin-induced hyperglycaemic rats. Phytochemical screening and oral median lethal dose (LD₅₀) estimation of CAE in rats were carried out. Antihyperglycaemic screening of the extract (at oral doses of 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg) was performed using normal and streptozotocin-induced hyperglycaemic rats for 28 days. Fasting blood glucose levels were measured and serum lipids were analyzed. Liver, kidney, heart and pancreatic tissues were examined for histopathological damages using standard histological processing. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, triterpenes and glycosides. Oral LD₅₀ was estimated to be >5000 mg/kg body weight in rats. C. alismifolium extract at all the doses tested showed blood glucose lowering effect. Statistical significant (p < .01) blood glucose lowering effect at 150 mg/kg on day 21, at 300 mg/kg on days 21 and 28 (p < .001 and p < .01 respectively) and 600 mg/kg on days 7, 14, 21 and 28 (p < .05, p < .01, p < .001 and p < .01 respectively) was produced by the extract. The extract also reduced the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and low density lipoprotein. Histopathological examination of the pancreas showed restoration of pancreatic islet cells at the doses of 300 and 600 mg/kg of the extract. In conclusion, the results obtained suggest the tuber extract of Chlorophytum alismifolium possesses antihyperglycaemic activity.