PLASMA GLUCOSE CONCENTRATION AND LIPID PROFILE IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS TREATED WITH EXTRACTS OF TRIPLOCHITON SCLEROXYLON K. SCHUM.

The effects of aqueous and 50% ethanol stem bark extracts of Triplochiton scleroxylon on plasma glucose concentrations and lipid profile viz., total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were investigated. The rats of Wistar strain, of average weight, 137.67g were used. Plasma samples were analysed by spectrophotometric method. Both extracts of the stem bark of this plant showed significant decrease (p < 0.05) in mean plasma glucose and TC concentrations on the 12th, 18th, 24th and 28th days of treatment of streptozotocin – induced diabetic rats, when compared to diabetic control. Aqueous and ethanol extracts of T. scleroxylon resulted in an increase (p < 0.05) in HDL concentrations on the 6th, 12th, 18th, 24th and 28th days of treatment when compared to diabetic control. However, decrease (p < 0.05) in TG, LDL and VLDL on the 6th, 12th, 18th, 24th and 28th days of treatment with both aqueous and ethanol extracts were obtained. Aqueous and 50% ethanol stem bark extracts of T. scleroxylon, have anti-diabetic properties and also possess the abilities to protect against hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. These findings justify the claimed anti-diabetic properties of extracts of this medicinal plant in some parts of Nigeria and present some health benefits.