Effect of Alkaloid-rich Fraction of Dacryodes edulis Leaves on the Microstructure of the Hippocampus and Blood Glucose Levels of STZ-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats

Aim: the aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of alkaloid-rich fraction of Dacryodes edulis on body weight, blood glucose level and the microanatomy of the hippocampus of STZ-induced Diabetic Wistar rats. Methodology: 25 adult male Wistar rats were used for the experiment. These rats were randomly assigned into 5 groups, each containing 5 rats designated as A, B, C, D and E. A group served as the normal control and were allowed access to drinking water and food adlibitum. Diabetes was induced in groups B to E through intraperitoneal administration of 60 mg/kg of Streptozotocin (STZ) for 7 days. Group B served as the untreated group, while groups C and D received 1000mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of alkaloid-rich fraction of Dacryodes edulis. Group E was administered 50 mg/kg of metformin. Results: the results revealed increase body weight, elevated glucose levels and atrophied pyramidal cells in the pyramidal cell layer of the hippocampus, along with numerous vacuoles containing lipid deposits in the untreated group B compared to the control group A, groups C, D and E exhibited potential ameliorative effects from the alkaloid-rich fraction of Dacryodes edulis and metformin, though the effect was dose dependent. Conclusion: Alkaloid-rich fraction of Dacryodes edulis is highly effective in reducing glucose levels, regulating body weight and protecting hippocampal neurons from neurodegeneration in STZ-induced diabetic adult male Wistar rats.