International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences

International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences | Vol. 11, No. 8, August 2021 | pp. 57–64

DOI: 10.46882/2021/IJMMS/110057

Original Research Article

Ameliorative Effects of Gongronema latifolium Crude Leaf Extract on Alloxan-Induced Pancreatic Beta-Cell Cytotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Rats

Mustapha T. Gidado¹, Rose C. Obi², Elizabeth W. Wanjiku¹*

¹Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria.

²Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.

Abstract:

Oxidative stress-induced destruction of pancreatic beta-cells is a core mechanism in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus, making exogenous radical scavengers a major therapeutic target. This experimental animal study examined the protective and restorative potential of an ethanolic extract of Gongronema latifolium leaves (EEGL) against alloxan-induced pancreatic cytotoxicity and oxidative stress in Wistar rats. Male rats (n = 30) were divided equally into five groups: Normal Control, Diabetic Control (alloxan 140 mg/kg, single intraperitoneal injection), Glibenclamide standard control (5 mg/kg), and two diabetic groups treated orally with EEGL at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight daily for 28 days. Markers of oxidative stress, serum insulin concentrations, and pancreatic histopathological architecture were evaluated. Alloxan induction caused severe hyperglycemia and reduced serum insulin levels (from 18.4 ± 1.5 μIU/mL to 4.2 ± 0.6 μIU/mL, p < 0.01). It also induced oxidative stress, characterized by a significant increase in pancreatic malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreases in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities (p < 0.01). Daily oral treatment with 400 mg/kg EEGL significantly lowered fasting blood glucose and increased serum insulin levels to 12.8 ± 1.1 μIU/mL (p < 0.01 vs. diabetic control). Furthermore, EEGL treatment reduced pancreatic MDA levels and restored antioxidant enzyme activities (p < 0.01). Histopathology confirmed these findings, showing a preservation of islet structure and a reduction in cellular degenerative changes. Gongronema latifolium leaves possess potent antioxidant properties that protect pancreatic beta-cells from oxidative damage and enhance insulin secretion.

Keywords: Gongronema latifolium, Alloxan, Pancreatic Beta-Cells, Oxidative Stress, Insulin Secretion, Histopathology

Manuscript Timeline: Received: April 15, 2021; Revised: May 24, 2021; Accepted: June 15, 2021; Published: August 14, 2021.

Citation: Gidado MT, Obi RC, Wanjiku EW. Ameliorative Effects of Gongronema latifolium Crude Leaf Extract on Alloxan-Induced Pancreatic Beta-Cell Cytotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Rats. International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences, 2021, 11(8): 57–64. DOI: 10.46882/2021/IJMMS/110057

Subscribe to read the full article: https://internationalscholarsjournals.org/subscribe-to-read