Prunus africana (Hook. F.) methanol bark extract ameliorates inflammatory activity and oxidative stress in asthmatic Wistar rats with diabetes mellitus

Background Inflammation and oxidative stress are associated with many diseases such as asthma and diabetes mellitus [DM]. Prunus africana is used to manage various conditions due its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Aim This study assessed the effects of Prunus africana assessed oxidative stress and inflammation parameters in asthmatic model Wistar rats coexisting with DM. Method Thirty male Wistar rats [150–250 g] were weight matched into six groups; Control, asthmatic group induced with DM, asthmatic DM rats treated with insulin, asthmatic DM rats treated with insulin and salbutamol, asthmatic DM rats treated with insulin and methanolic bark extract of Prunus africana at a dose of 5 IU and 600 mg/kg respectively daily. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid [BALF] and serum were collected and assessed for antioxidant, oxidative stress and inflammation parameters while histological images were used to determine inflammation scores. Results The total white blood cell count [x10–3/μL] of both the ASDM and ASDM+I groups were significantly [p < 0.01] higher compared to the control group, while that of the ASDM+IS group was significantly [p < 0.05] lower compared to both the ASDM and ASDM+I groups. Serum malondialdehyde levels in the ASDM group was significantly [p < 0.01] higher than control, whereas that of ASDM+IS, ASDM+IPA and ASDM+PA showed a significant [p < 0.001] reduction compared to the ASDM group. Conclusion Prunus africana treatment showed some degree of potential in mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation in asthmatic Wistar rats induced with diabetes mellitus.