Antidiabetic Potential of Moringa oleifera Bark and Leaf in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Studies have documented the antioxidant and therapeutic potentials of Moringa oleifera, which has been harnessed in the management of diabetes and its complications. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-diabetic effect of Moringa oleifera bark methanol extract (MOBE), leaf methanol extract (MOLE), ordinary leaf (MOOL), and ordinary bark (MOOB) on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Thirty-five Wistar rats were randomly allocated into seven groups (I – VII), each containing five rats. To Group I was administered distilled water to serve as the normal control. Groups II-VII received an intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) to induce diabetes. Group II rats were not treated, and served as the diabetic control. Following STZ-induction, the rats in groups III-VI received treatments of 150 mg/kg or 300 mg/kg of MOBE, MOLE, MOOL, and MOOB, respectively, while group VII rats received metformin (21.4 mg/kg). The treatments were given orally once daily for 14 days. The results indicated a substantial alteration of blood glucose levels, lipid profiles, and biomarker enzymes in untreated STZ-induced rats. All treatments resulted in statistically significant (p < 0.05) modifications of all regulated parameters. The histological analysis of both the pancreas and liver corroborated the biochemical data. The modulatory impact of MOBE was most pronounced when compared to metformin. Further investigation into the synergistic effects of these extracts could yield improved results.