Effect of Combined Leaf Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina (Bitter Leaf) and Gongronema latifolium (Utazi) on the Pancreatic beta-Cells of Streptozotocin- Induced Diabetic Rats

The study evaluated the effect of combined extracts of Vernonia amygdalina (VA) and Gongronema latifolium (GL) on the pancreas of streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic Wistar rats. Thirty-two (32) albino rats were divided equally into 4 groups. Groups A and B which served as normal (NC) and diabetic (DC) controls respectively, received placebo treatment. The diabetic test groups C and D were respectively treated with combined extracts of VA and GL (200mg/kg b. w., p. o.) and insulin, (humulin 5 IU/kg, s.c.) for 28 days. Thereafter, the animals were sacrificed and blood and pancreas were collected for serum glucose and histological evaluation, respectively. Changes in animal weight were also measured within the period. From the results it was revealed that both the combined extracts and humulin significantly increased the animals’ body weight (p<0.05) from -10.5% reduction in the DC, to 7.6% and 8.9% respectively. In the same order, serum glucose significantly decreased (p<0.05) by 12.49% and 14.96% after the 28-day treatment compared to DC. The extent of reversal of hyperglycemia in the extract treated animals compared well with the insulin treated group. The biochemical results were corroborated with results of histological evaluations: The pancreatic β-cells of DC animals which were distorted and degenerated with shrunken cell mass as against prominent islet cells with normal exocrine pancreas of NC animals became rapidly proliferated upon intervention with the combined extracts, suggesting a possible regeneration of the islet cells. On the otherhand, intervention with humulin did not produce observable differences in the cyto-architecture of the pancreatic islets compared to the diabetic control, confirming an extra-pancreatic mechanism of insulin

Haematological and immunological effect of coadministration of extracts of Vernonia amygdalina and Azadirachta indica on normal and diabetic rats

This study evaluated the effect of co-administration of extracts of Vernonia amygdalina Del. (VA) and Azadirachta indica Linn.(AI) on haemapoietic and immunological indices of normal and diabetic rats. White blood cells which were non-significantly decreased (p&gt;0.05) in diabetic control rats relative to the normal control, respectively increased and decreased non-significantly (p&gt;0.05) upon administration of the combined extracts of VA and AI to diabetic and non-diabetic test rats. Packed cell volume, haemoglobin content and red cell count as well as its derived factors (mean cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin and mean cell haemoglobin concentration) of both diabetic and non-diabetic rats were not affected by the treatment, relative to their respective controls. As compared to insulin treatment, the combined extracts significantly increased (p&lt;0.05) mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) of diabetic rats. Platelets number which was non-significantly lower (p&gt;0.05) in diabetic control rats as compared to non-diabetic control was further decreased non-significantly (p&gt;0.05) upon administration of the combined extracts and insulin. Diabetes induction significantly increased CD4+ count (p&lt;0.05) as compared to the normal control. This was however decreased significantly (p&lt;0.05) upon treatment with the combined extracts and insulin. The combined extract similarly decreased CD4+ counts in normal test rats as compared to the normal control. Combined extracts of VA and AI is non-haematotoxic and may possess some anti-inflammatory properties when used as a management against diabetes mellitus.Key words: Diabetes, haematological and immunological indices, Vernonia amygdalina, Azadirachta indica

An overview of anti-diabetic plants used in Gabon: Pharmacology and Toxicology

© 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Ethnopharmacological relevance: The management of diabetes mellitus management in African communities, especially in Gabon, is not well established as more than 60% of population rely on traditional treatments as primary healthcare. The aim of this review was to collect and present the scientific evidence for the use of medicinal plants that are in currect by Gabonese traditional healers to manage diabetes or hyperglycaemia based here on the pharmacological and toxicological profiles of plants with anti-diabetic activity. There are presented in order to promote their therapeutic value, ensure a safer use by population and provide some bases for further study on high potential plants reviewed. Materials and methods: Ethnobotanical studies were sourced using databases such as Online Wiley library, Pubmed, Google Scholar, PROTA, books and unpublished data including Ph.D. and Master thesis, African and Asian journals. Keywords including ‘Diabetes’ ‘Gabon’ ‘Toxicity’ ‘Constituents’ ‘hyperglycaemia’ were used. Results: A total of 69 plants currently used in Gabon with potential anti-diabetic activity have been identified in the literature, all of which have been used in in vivo or in vitro studies. Most of the plants have been studied in human or animal models for their ability to reduce blood glucose, stimulate insulin secretion or inhibit carbohydrates enzymes. Active substances have been identified in 12 out of 69 plants outlined in this review, these include Allium cepa and Tabernanthe iboga. Only eight plants have their active substances tested for anti-diabetic activity and are suitables for further investigation. Toxicological data is scarce and is dose-related to the functional parameters of major organs such as kidney and liver. Conclusion: An in-depth understanding on the pharmacology and toxicology of Gabonese anti-diabetic plants is lacking yet there is a great scope for new treatments. With further research, the use of Gabonese anti-diabetic plants is important to ensure the safety of the diabetic patients in Gabon.Peer reviewedFinal Accepted Versio

Effect of hibiscus sabdariffa l., zingiber officinale roscoe and piper nigrum l. On the hematological parameters of alloxan induced diabetic wistar rats.

Background: Diabetes is a disease condition of metabolism clinically expressed by chronic hyperglycemia and protein disorder; it has a link to several complications that cause morbidity and mortality and native plants with antidiabetic properties can be used to avoid further progression of the disease Objective: To investigate the antidiabetic properties of combined extract of hibiscus sabdariffa l., zingiber officinale roscoe and piper nigrum l. as well as its effect on selected hematological parameters in alloxan induced diabetic wistar rats Methods: Thirty (30) male wistar rats aged between 8-10 weeks, weighing 130g to 138g were divided into five groups of six rats each and acclimatized for a week prior to the commencement of the treatments. Of the 5 groups, 4 were induced with 170mg/kg body weight of alloxan. Diabetic rats were treated with 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg of the combined extract as well as 500mg/kg of metformin. The last diabetic group was left untreated and served as the negative control. All treatments were administered for 21 days with blood glucose level and body weight of the experimental animals regularly measured during the course of the treatment. At the end of the treatments, experimental rats were sacrificed and the blood collected was used to carry out hematological analysis including White Blood Cell count(WBC), Red Blood Cell count (RBC), Hemoglobin concentration (Hb), Hematocrit (Hct) or Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and&nbsp; Platelet (Plt). The results were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) at P˂0.05. Results:&nbsp; The combined plant extract was observed to cause a decrease in the blood sugar level and also helped to maintain the body weight of animals. Similarly, the level of the PCV and the HB significantly increased (p&lt;0.05) after administering the combined extract at the two selected doses. Also the WBC count was significantly (p&lt;0.05) lowered following the administration of the combined extract. Conclusion: The combined extracts of Hibiscus Sabdariffa and Zingiber Officinale and Piper Nigrum have potential in the management of hyperglycemia as well as in the improvement of hematological parameters in alloxan induced diabetic rats

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Effect of hibiscus sabdariffa l. Piper nigrum l. And zingiber officinale r. Extract on serum electrolytes profile and changes in the pancreas of alloxan induced diabetic rat.

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is the most common endocrine disease which is characterized by hyperglycaemia, altered metabolism of lipids, carbohydrates and protein with an increased risk of many complications such as liver and pancreas damage and altered serum electrolytes level. During the past few years many plants and spices have been used to manage DM. This work aimed to investigate the possible anti-diabetic effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa L., Zingiber officinale roscoe and Piper nigrum L. extract treatments in alloxan induced diabetic rats via studying pancreas, liver structure abnormalities and serum electrolytes level alteration. 30 male Wistar rats (130-180 g) were injected intraperitoneally and divided into five main groups each of 6 rats. The control group was injected with a single dose of saline solution (0.9% NaCl), diabetic group was injected with a dose of alloxan solution (170 mg/kg), high and low dose of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg extract after induction of diabetes respectively and metformin treated group was injected at a daily dose 500 mg/kg metformin after induction of diabetes. Microscopic histopathology examination of pancreatic tissues showed decrease in islets of Langerhans size in the diabetic group, sinusoidal enlargement and increased fatty vacuoles in the liver tissues of the diabetic group. There were alterations in the serum electrolytes levels of the diabetic group. These abnormalities were healed after treatment of diabetic rats with extract which could have the ability to regenerate beta cells of islets of Langerhans. The present study could verify that the extract normalized the various serum electrolytes levels and histological abnormalities resulted due to diabetes metabolic disorders

Antioxidants in cancer therapy mitigating lipid peroxidation without compromising treatment through nanotechnology

Background: Cancer treatments often exploit oxidative stress to selectively kill tumour cells by disrupting their lipid peroxidation membranes and inhibiting antioxidant enzymes. However, lipid peroxidation plays a dual role in cancer progression, acting as both a tumour promoter and a suppressor. Balancing oxidative stress through antioxidant therapy remains a challenge, as excessive antioxidant activity may compromise the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Aim: This review explores the role of antioxidants in mitigating lipid peroxidation in cancer therapy while maintaining treatment efficacy. It highlights recent advancements in nanotechnology-based targeted antioxidant delivery to optimize therapeutic outcomes. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using reputable databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. The search focused on publications from the past five years (2020–2025), supplemented by relevant studies from earlier years. Keywords such as “antioxidants,” “lipid peroxidation,” “nanotechnology in cancer therapy,” and “oxidative stress” were utilized. Relevant articles were critically analysed, and graphical illustrations were created. Results: Emerging evidence suggests that nanoparticles, including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, metal–organic frameworks, and others, can effectively encapsulate and control the release of antioxidants in tumour cells while minimizing systemic toxicity. Stimuli-responsive carriers with tumour-specific targeting mechanisms further enhance antioxidant delivery. Studies indicate that these strategies help preserve normal cells, mitigate oxidative stress-related damage, and improve treatment efficacy. However, challenges such as bioavailability, stability, and potential interactions with standard therapies remain. Conclusion: Integrating nanotechnology with antioxidant-based interventions presents a promising approach for optimizing cancer therapy. Future research should focus on refining lipid peroxidation modulation strategies, assessing oxidative stress profiles during treatment, and employing biomarkers to determine optimal antioxidant dosing. A balanced approach to antioxidant use may enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing adverse effects

Pancreatic beta cell protection/regeneration with phytotherapy

Although currently available drugs are useful in controlling early onset complications of diabetes, serious late onset complications appear in a large number of patients. Considering the physiopathology of diabetes, preventing beta cell degeneration and stimulating the endogenous regeneration of islets will be essential approaches for the treatment of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. The current review focused on phytochemicals, the antidiabetic effect of which has been proved by pancreatic beta cell protection/regeneration. Among the hundreds of plants that have been investigated for diabetes, a small fraction has shown the regenerative property and was described in this paper. Processes of pancreatic beta cell degeneration and regeneration were described. Also, the proposed mechanisms for the protective/regenerative effects of such phytochemicals and their potential side effects were discussed