Evaluating alloxan-induced diabetic rats

The increasing incidence of diabetes and the adverse effects of chemical medications underscore the importance of exploring alternative non-pharmacological treatments. Vernonia amygdalina, a widely utilized medicinal herb, shows promising therapeutic potential. This study investigated the impact of aqueous leaf extracts of Vernonia amygdalina on various 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 divided into four groups: Group 1 (normal control), Group 2 (diabetic control), Group 3 (diabetic rats treated with Vernonia amygdalina at 80 mg/kg), and Group 4 (diabetic rats treated with glibenclamide at 5 mg/kg). The treatments were administered orally for 28 days. Results showed that Vernonia amygdalina significantly reduced blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels in diabetic rats compared to untreated diabetic controls (P < 0.001). After 28 days of treatment, the extracts also notably improved altered biochemical parameters in diabetic rats versus the untreated controls (P < 0.05). Specifically, Vernonia amygdalina reduced elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (P < 0.05). Additionally, the extract demonstrated hepatoprotective and nephroprotective properties, indicated by reductions in liver enzyme levels and improvements in kidney function markers. In summary, the aqueous leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina showed beneficial effects on selected biochemical markers in alloxan-induced diabetic rats, suggesting its potential role in diabetes management.