Extracts of Guiera senegalensis J.F. Gmel (Combretaceae) Galls Ameliorates Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes Mellitus Rats Status

Background: A good number of medicinal and dietary plants are used for diabetes treatment in Burkina Faso.

Aim of the Study: The present study aimed to investigate the antidiabetic activity of Guiera senegalensis galls extracts and its potential mechanisms in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Methodology: The methanol extract was administered by gavage to healthy Wistar rats for the determination of toxicity, to normal and diabetic Wistar rats for the determination of glucose reduction level, lipid profile, insulin level and glycaemic parameters in serum. The histology and immunohistochemistry of the pancreas were also determined.

Results: The acute toxicity results showed that the medium lethal dose (LD50) of the methanol galls extract of Guiera senegalensis is greater than 2000 mg/kg body weight in rats. Guiera senegalensis methanolic extract (250 mg/kg) and the tolbutamide (100 mg/kg) recorded a significantly (p < 0.05) lower level of triglyceride compared to the diabetic group. The methanol extract (250 and 500 mg/kg pc) significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the blood glucose level and increased the serum insulin level in diabetic rats. Interestingly, improved ß-cell function and antioxidant status were also observed in G. senegalensis-treated diabetic rats when compared to tolbutamide-treated diabetic rats.

Conclusion: These data showed direct evidence that G. senegalensis has antidiabetic activity by decreasing blood glucose level, improving insulin secretion and β-cell functions and modulating antioxidant status.