Powdered Andrographis Paniculata Leaves Ameliorates High-fat Diet-induced Dysmetabolism in Rats

Andrographis paniculata (AP) is a well-known medicinal plant that has been shown to possess have ethnomedicinal value in treatment of diabetes mellitus, however there is a dearth of scientific information on its possible benefits in mitigating diet-induced dysmetabolism. This study examined the effects of powdered AP leaves on high-fat diet (HFD) induced changes in Wistar rats. Thirty-six rats were assigned into six groups of six animals each. Group A (control) were fed standard rodent chow, while group B (HFD-control) was fed high fat diet. Rats in groups C, D, and E were fed AP incorporated into HFD at 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg of feed. Rats in group F (Metformin-control) were administered metformin by gavage at 25 mg/kg body weight, while rats in groups A-E were administered distilled water at 10 ml/kg body weight. Treatment was for a period of fifty-six days. At the end of this period animals were euthanised and blood taken for estimation of blood glucose levels, oxidative stress parameters, lipid profile and biochemical parameters of liver and kidney integrity. The liver, kidney and the pancreas were excised and processed for histological studies. Results showed diet-added AP reversed HFD-induced increase in body weight, oxidative stress, proinflammation, hyperglycaemia, hyperinsulinaemia, hyperlipidaemia and derangement of liver and renal function. Histomorphological assessment of the liver, kidneys and pancreas revealed variable degrees of preservation of the architecture of these organs in the AP treated groups. In conclusion, powdered Andrographis paniculata leaves showed nutraceutical potential in mitigating HFD-induced dysmetabolism in rats.