Evaluation of the effect of ethanolic extract of Justicia Secunda on oxidative stress and renal function in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar Rats

Hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and complications of diabetes are closely linked together. The main characteristic condition in diabetes mellitus (DM) is oxidative stress, and increased levels of oxidative stress markers such as Malondialdehyde (MDA) are reported in diabetes. The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) worldwide has led to a concomitant rise in the prevalence of diabetes-related complications, including renal disease. Protection of cells against oxidative stress is through antioxidant enzyme activities of SOD, CAT, and peroxidases. Justicia Secunda Vahl is a medicinal plant that originates from South America. This study was aimed at determining the effect of ELE of J. secunda on oxidative stress, antioxidant levels, and renal function of diabetic Wistar rats. The animals were grouped into five (5) groups of five (5) rats per group. Group N served as the control and received food and water only. Group Un D served as the untreated diabetic group while groups Met, 200mg/kg + D, and 400mg/kg + D were induced with diabetes using AMH two weeks prior to the experiment, and then treated with 30mg/kgBW of Metformin, 200mg/kgBW ELE of J. secunda extract, and 400mg/kgBW ELE of J. secunda extract, respectively, for fourteen (14) days. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA (GraphPad Prism version 9.5.1 software package) and results were considered significant at p ≤ 0.05. The study revealed that 400mg/kgBW ELE of J. secunda drastically reduced MDA levels. Both doses significantly increased SOD and CAT, thereby increasing antioxidant activity. However, the standard drug, Metformin was more effective than J. secunda in all aspects except in improving SOD level. There were no significant changes in urea and creatinine levels. The study therefore indicates that J. secunda may be beneficial in the management of DM and diseases related to oxidative damage. Therefore, it can be used as an alternative drug in managing these conditions.