Prognosis of Diabetes Complications and Efficacy of Guiera Senegalensis   Aqueous Leaf Extract in Streptozotocin Induced-Diabetic Rats

Diabetes epidemics pose a serious health care problems and a huge burden on the economy of both developed and developing nations. Precise prognosis and the discovery of cost effective drugs for its management would serve as catalyst to economic recovery. This study is aimed at evaluating the prognosis of diabetes complications and the efficacy of Guiera senegalensis aqueous leaf extract in streptozotocin (STZ) induced-diabetic rats. Twelve (12) adult male Wistar rats were used in this study. Diabetes was induced by administration of 60 mg/kg of streptozotocin. Diabetic rats were treated orally with the aid of a gavage 500 mg/kg of aqueous extract of Guiera senegalensis for 21 days. Fasting blood glucose and body weight were monitored at intervals of 7 days. Some antioxidant enzymes, lipid profile and indices of renal function were assayed after the 21^st day. Post administration of 60 mg/kg of STZ produced significant (P<0.05) increases in fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, Na⁺, and K⁺ levels. Body weight, catalase and HDL-cholesterol levels were reduced. Related biochemical indices (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, LDL-cholesterol, urea, creatinine, Cl− and bicarbonate) were similarly modulated by STZ but the effects were not significant relative tothe normal control. Administration of extract of Guiera senegalensis reverses the effects of STZ on these parameters. Although they were not completely brought back to normal in some cases. These findings are indications that Guiera senegalensis has the capacity to attenuate some complications of diabetes mellitus and could be considered as a potent anti-diabetic plant.