The Therapeutic Role of the Aqueous Extract of Anonna muricata Leaf (AMLE) on the Persistent Hyperglycemia in Alloxan- Treated Wistar Rats

Persistent hyperglycemia is a key feature of Diabetes (DM). Eventhough there are numerous orthodox treatment options in circulation, alternative treatment options that are efficacious and safe are continuously sought. The aim of this study was to ascertain the effect of Anonna Muricata leaf extract (AMLE) in treating persistent hyperglycemia in Wistar rats. Thirty six rats (150–200g) were randomly divided into six groups (A, B, C, D, E and F). Group A (negative control) was treated with saline-only, group B (positive control), group C, D, E and F were all treated with single dose of Alloxan (125mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally). After confirming the persistent hyperglycemia in all the Alloxan treated groups using glucometer, animals from group C, D and E were then treated with 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight of AMLE. While those from group F were treated with metformin at 200mg/kg. Blood sugar was also measured at the end of the experiment, on the 21st day. The result suggested that the AMLE had a lowering effect on hyperglycemia to the same extent with the metformin. The histopathological examination revealed a distortion of the islet cell mass as well as the exocrine tissue in the Alloxan-only treated groups. A dosedependent, progressively increasing similarity in the section from the animals treated with AMLE was observed when compared to the sections from the control. Thus, the AMLE has a therapeutic role in lowering of glucose level and reversal of pathologic effect of Alloxan in the pancreatic tissue of Wistar.

Key Words: Annona muricata extract, Aqueous; Diabetes, Alloxan, metformin.