Effect of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius on Some Biochemical Parameters in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

This research project was carried out to investigate the biochemical effect of Sarcocephalus latifolius leaf extract in alloxan induced diabetic rats. The study was carried out for about 12 months in the department of Biochemistry University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria and Prestige medical Laboratory, Jos, Nigeria. Twenty four rats were divided into six groups of four animals each (3 male groups and 3 female groups). The male and female rats in group 1 and 2 were induced with alloxan monohydrate (as negative controls and diabetic treated animals respectively) while the third groups were used as positive controls and were given distilled water. The phytochemical constituent of Sarcocephalus latifolius leaf extract shows the presence of secondary metabolites such as Tannins, Flavonoids and cardiac glycosides. The weight of negative control groups were significantly (P<0.05) reduced when compared to other groups. Both the male and female rats treated with Sarcocephalus latifolius leaf extract, showed significant decrease (P<0.05) in blood glucose level compared to the untreated rats. Liver biomarkers (ALT, AST and ALP), significantly decreased (P<0.05) in both male and female diabetic rats after treatment with Sarcocephalus latifolius leaf extract compared to the untreated rats. Sarcocephalus latifolius leaf extract has hypolipidemic effect and thus can be used in the management of diabetes. The result above shows that the ethanolic leaf extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius can be used in the management and/or control of diabetes and other related complications.