Effect of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Sida Corymbosa (Wire Weed) on Alloxan Induced Pancreatic Damage in Adult Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Sida corymbosa is a semi shrubby perennial plant used in herbal concoctions. This study evaluated the effects of ethanolic leaf extract of Sida corymbosa (ELESC) on alloxan induced pancreatic damage in adult male wistar rats. LD₅₀ test showed that ELESC was orally non-lethal at 5000mg/kg. 25 adult male albino wistar rats weighing between 200-300g were used for this study, and were divided into 5 groups (1-5) of 5 rats each. Group 1 served as control and received feed and distilled water ad-libitum throughout the experiment. Group 2 served as diabetic group, and received a single intraperitoneal dose of 150mg/kg of alloxan. Pancreatic damage in groups 3 and 4 were induced with a single intraperitoneal injection of 150mg/kg of alloxan and subsequently treated daily with 500mg/kg and 250mg/kg of ELESC respectively. Group 5 received 500mg/kg of ELESC only. Administration of ELESC was oral and for 28 days. Blood samples were collected weekly and glucose level assessed. At the end of the experiment, serum samples were assayed for insulin level, while pancreases were harvested for histological observations. Alloxan elicited characteristics similar to that of type 1 diabetes, with histological alterations in the pancreas. However, administration of ELESC caused a dose dependent decrease in blood glucose level, with increases in insulin levels in all ELESC treated diabetic rats, when compared to control. Histological findings revealed regenerative changes in pancreatic tissues of ELESC treated diabetic treated rats. This study showed that ELESC has hypoglycemic properties as well as soothing effects on alloxan induced pancreatic damage.

Keywords: Pancreas, Insulin, Diabetes, Hypoglycemia.