Synergistic Biochemical Effects of Combined Aqueous Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina Leaf and Irvingia gabonensis Seed in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

With the increasing prevalence of diabetes and concerns over the side effects associated with conventional medications, there is a growing interest in exploring non-pharmacological interventions.This study assesses the combined effects of aqueous leaf extracts from Vernonia amygdalina and seed extracts from Irvingia gabonensis on selected biochemical parameters in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats through intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (150 mg/kg).The rats were then randomly assigned to four groups: Group 1 -Normal rats, Group 2 -Diabetic control rats, Group 3 -Diabetic rats receiving both Irvingia gabonensis (200 mg/kg) and Vernonia amygdalina (80 mg/kg), and Group 4 -Diabetic rats receiving glibenclamide (5 mg/kg).The extracts were administered orally over 28 days.The combined treatment of Vernonia amygdalina and Irvingia gabonensis extracts resulted in a significant reduction in blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels in diabetic rats compared to the diabetic control group (P < 0.001).After 28 days of oral administration, the combined extracts significantly improved altered biochemical parameters compared to untreated controls (P < 0.05).Specifically, the combined extracts significantly decreased elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) compared with the untreated diabetic group (P < 0.05).Moreover, the combined administration of Vernonia amygdalina and Irvingia gabonensis extracts exhibited hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects, as evidenced by the reduction in liver enzyme levels and improvement in kidney function markers.In conclusion, the synergistic effects of the aqueous leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina and the seed extract of Irvingia gabonensis demonstrated significant improvements in selected biochemical parameters in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.These findings suggest the potential of combining these natural extracts as a promising therapeutic strategy for diabetes management.