Abstract

Background: Diabetes is considered the third leading cause of death around the globe with a projection increase of its prevalence by 2030. 
Aim: The study was aimed at investigating the anti-diabetic and safety properties of aqueous extract of Vitellaria paradoxa (VPX) stem bark in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. 
Materials and methods: A total of thirty (30) albino rats weighing 150 ± 40.5 g were randomized into six groups (A-F). Group A (Control) are non-diabetic while group(s) B-F were made diabetic following administration of streptozotocin (90mg/kg body weight, i.p.) after which animals in groups C-F were administered 2.5 mg/kg b.w glibenclamide (reference drug), 80, 400 and 800mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively once daily for 21 days whereas animals in group(s) A and B received 0.5ml of distilled water orally. Blood sugar level, antioxidant enzyme status (catalase and superoxide dismutase), anti-dyslipidemic and kidney function parameters were determined in the experimental rats. 
Results: The results showed that aqueous extract of V. paradoxa stem bark produced a significant reduction (p<0.05) in fasting blood glucose level and serum lipid profile (T-chol, TAG and LDL-c) of diabetic rats in a dose dependent manner. The extract also improved the antioxidant status in diabetic rats and as well induced the synthesis of protein by significantly (p<0.05) elevating the activities of aspartate transaminase (EC. 2.6.1.1), alanine transaminase (EC. 2.6.1.2) and alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1) in the liver of rats at all the doses investigated. However, 800mg/kg body weight of the extract showed better comparison with glibenclamide.
Conclusion: Overall results showed that Vitellaria paradoxa possess anti-diabetic as well as antioxidant properties by facilitating pancreatic insulin secretion, glucose uptake and mopping up generated free radicals respectively. It may therefore be considered safe for use in the management of diabetes.