Purpose: To evaluate the antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activities of
Buchanania lanzan
.
Methods: Wistar rats were divided into nine groups of six animals each, and 40 mg/kg of streptozotocin or streptozotocin + nicotinamide was administered intraperitonially to induce types I and II diabetes. Those with blood glucose levels > 190 ± 8 mg/dl were administered the methanol leaf extract of Buchanania lanzan (MEBL, 100 or 200 mg/kg, p.o.) or positive control for 21 days. Blood glucose, lipid profile, antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress markers were evaluated.
Results: Following induction, blood glucose level rose to 327.7 ± 47.4 mg/dl, compared to the normal value of 910 ± 3.2 mg/dl. Administration of MEBL (100 or 200 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.05) decreased blood glucose level, serum lipid profile, and significantly (p < 0.05) increased antioxidant activity as evidenced by increase in super oxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione (GSH), and decrease in the activity of lipid peroxidation (LPO).
Conclusion: MEBL exhibits antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activities in diabetic rat and needs to be further investigated for the treatment of both types I and II diabetes mellitus.