Comparative effect of chlorpropamide and combined leaf extracts of Azadirachta indica and Vernonia amygdalina on blood glucose and biochemical parameters of alloxanized rats

Abstract

The comparative anti-hyperglycemic efficacy along with the impact on some biochemical parameters of alloxan
induced diabetic rats, following treatment with chlorpropamide and combined leaf extracts from Vernonia 
amygdalina (VA) and Azadirachta indica (AI) was evaluated in this study. Twenty four rats, 18 diabetic and 6 non
diabetic were assigned into four groups of 6 rats each, and respectively treated with one of the following 
combinations: saline (non-diabetic and diabetic controls), extracts of AI and VA combined (200 mg/kg b. w. in 1:1 
ratio), and chlorpropamide (14.286 mg/kg b. w.), for a 21-day period. Measured blood glucose reductions relative to 
their initial values at the end of treatment were 71.05% and 75.83% for combined extracts and chlorpropamide 
respectively. Similarly the serum glucose respectively decreased by 58.74% and 59.97% relative to the diabetic 
control value of 264.27 ± 4.36 mg/dl. The extents of decrease of both blood and serum glucose in the combined 
extracts-treated group, compared well (p > 0.01) with the chlorpropamide test group. The 21-day treatment with 
chlorpropamide and the combined plant extracts significantly (p < 0.05) reduced serum triglyceride and total 
cholesterol concentrations as well as aminotransferase activities to a similar extent, and the levels were both 
comparable to those of the normal control. Result of serum electrolytes and urea concentrations also showed 
comparable ameliorative effect on associated renal complications of diabetes. Therefore combined extracts of AI and 
VA has the potentials to replace sulfonylureas such as chlorpropamide in the management of diabetes.