Therapeutic Effects of the Aqueous Extract of <i>Desmodium adscendens</i> (Fabaceae) on Type 2 Diabetes Complications in Wistar Rats

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease caused by impaired insulin secretion and/or abnormalities in insulin action on target tissues. Many plants have been shown to be effective in treating diabetes. This study aimed to assess the anti-diabetic activity and antioxidant potential of the aqueous extract of <i>Desmodium adscendens</i> in type 2 diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by prolonged sucrose administration, followed by a single injection of streptozotocin (STZ, at 40 mg/kg). The diabetic rats were then separated into four groups and given different treatments. The first group received distilled water (10 mL/kg), the second group received metformin (200 mg/kg), and the third and fourth groups received aqueous extract of <i>D. adscendens</i> at 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively. A fifth group of healthy rats received only distilled water (10 mL/kg). After 28 days of treatment, the animals were sacrificed, and their serum was used for biochemical analysis. The tissue parameters of oxidative stress were evaluated, and histology was performed. Diabetes caused a significant increase (p < 0.001) in blood sugar, triglyceride and total cholesterol levels, in transaminases and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, a significant increase (p < 0.05) in creatinine level, as well as a significant variation (p < 0.001) in tissue parameters of oxidative stress in untreated diabetic rats compared to normal rats. Sucrose and STZ also caused disorganization of the hepatocytes, congestion of the portal vein, thickening of the aortic media and renal mesangial expansion in histological analysis. The aqueous extract of <i>D. adscendens</i> decreases blood glucose levels, inhibits lipid peroxidation and free radicals production, enhances antioxidant capacity and ameliorates the structure of organs that have been disorganized by diabetes. The aqueous extract of <i>D. adscendens</i> enhances diabetic conditions and prevents diabetes-related complications by exhibiting hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant properties.