Author(s): DE Uselu, R Obomanu-Tamunotonjo, EB Essien and DE Peters

Abstract: Using alloxan-induced hyperglycaemic Wistar albino rats, this research analysed the impact of ethanol extract of Andrographis paniculata leaves on selected biochemical markers. Thirty (30) male rats weighing between 200-250 g were divided into six (6) groups comprising of; normal control (food and water only), positive control (0.1 mg/kg BW of Glimepiride), negative control (untreated), treated (500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg and 1500 mg/kg BW of extract) labelled groups 1-6 respectively. Following 21 days of once-daily oral administration, the animals were sacrificed, and biochemical and histological analyses were performed on samples of blood and pancreas. Results revealed a significant decrease (p≤0.05) in plasma concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) in groups 4-6; a non-significant decrease (p≥0.05) in plasma concentrations of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in groups 4-6; a significant increase (p≤0.05) in percentage inhibition potency of plasma α-glucosidase enzyme activity in groups 4-6 and a significant increase (p≤0.05) in plasma concentrations of insulin in groups 4-6 when compared to the control group. A significant decrease (p≤0.05) in fasting blood glucose level in groups 4-6 and a significant increase (p≤0.05) in plasma concentrations of insulin in group 4 when compared to the negative control group were observed. Histology of the pancreas (plates 4.1 to 4.6) showed well delineated islets of Langerhans, congested vessels in the connective tissue and normal acini with no intraluminal secretion. This study shows that the Andrographis paniculata ethanol leaf extract had a hypoglycaemic effect on alloxan-induced hyperglycaemic Wistar albino rats.

DOI: 10.33545/26174693.2024.v8.i4f.983