Aqueous extract of Combretum molle boughs ameliorates hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidemia in sucrose-induced insulin resistant rats

Introduction: Combretum molle R.B/G.Don (Combretaceae) is distributed especially in tropical Africa and used in treatment various diseases including diabetes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of aqueous extract from C. molle boughs (CMAE) on hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in insulin resistant rats. Methods: Animals were divided into 5 groups and treated for 30 days. Control group received distilled water, sucrose group received 30% sucrose, standard group received 30% sucrose plus metformin (40 mg/kg), and others groups received 30% sucrose plus CMAE (250 and 500 mg/kg). Body weight, food and water intake were evaluated each 10 days for 30 days. Glucose tolerance test was performed on the 30th day of the experiment. Later on, animals were sacrificed and blood was collected for the determination of the concentration of glucose, lipids and insulin. Results: The body weight and food intake of the rats receiving 500 mg/kg of extract decreased significantly on the 30th day of the experiment. CMAE caused a significant reduction of insulin, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels compared to the sucrose lot. However, the extract (250 and 500 mg/kg) showed a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. CMAE induced a significant decrease in postprandial glycaemia. Conclusion: CMAE improved postprandial hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in insulin resistant rats. Consequently, CMAE may be able to delay onset of insulin resistance, and reduce the risks and complications of type 2 diabetes.