Inhibition of Hepatic Gluconeogenic Enzymes by Selected Medicinal Plant Extracts in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats
Enyindah, Kingsley Chimene
Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, 500102, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Owo, Gogo James *
Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, 500102, Rivers State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Diabetes mellitus is characterised by persistent hyperglycaemia partly caused by increased hepatic gluconeogenesis mediated by glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase).
Aim: This study investigated the inhibitory effects of selected medicinal plant extracts on hepatic gluconeogenic enzymes in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats.
Study Design: This was an experimental laboratory-based study.
Materials and Methods: Thirty-five Wistar rats were divided into seven groups. Diabetes was induced using alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg). Ethanolic leaf extracts of Vernonia amygdalina, Moringa oleifera, Cymbopogon citratus, Ocimum gratissimum, and Azadirachta indica were administered orally at 100 mg/kg for 28 days. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), hepatic G6Pase and FBPase activities were evaluated. Phytochemical screening was also conducted.
Results: The findings showed that the extracts contained flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, glycosides and steroids. Significant reductions in FBG were observed in treated groups, with V. amygdalina and M. oleifera showing the greatest effects. C. citratus showed the highest inhibition of G6Pase activity (16.0%), whereas V. amygdalina and M. oleifera showed the highest inhibition of FBPase activity (16.7%).
Conclusion and Recommendations: The plant extracts showed antidiabetic potential and may serve as complementary agents in diabetes management. The antihyperglycaemic effects could be due to the inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis, enhancement of insulin signalling, AMPK activation and reduction of oxidative stress. Further studies on mechanisms, safety and clinical efficacy are recommended.
Keywords: Gluconeogenesis, fasting blood glucose, G6Pase, FBPase, plant extracts, diabetes, Alloxan-induced diabetes