Agada SA, Oyigeya FO, Onoja BA, et al. Evaluation of the hypoglycemic effect of Vernonia amygdalina leaf extract and metformin on the lipid profile of alloxan-induced diabetic wistar rats. Series Endo Diab Met. 2025;7(1):1-16.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. It poses a significant global health burden. DM is one of the most common endocrine dysfunctions in the world, resulting from a defect in insulin dynamics, and has caused significant morbidity and mortality due to microvascular (retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy) and macrovascular complications with no known cure. Vernonia amygdalina is a valuable medicinal plant that is widespread in West Africa. The phytochemical studies of V. amygdalina reveal the presence of saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenes, steroids, coumarins, phenolic acids, lignans, xanthones, anthraquinones, edotides, and sesquiterpenes. This study evaluates the hypoglycemic effect of V. amygdalina leaf extract and metformin on the lipid profile of alloxan-induced type 2 diabetic adult Wistar rats. The study involved 5 groups of rats: the normal control, diabetic control, diabetic rat treated with V. amygdalina, diabetic rat treated with metformin, and diabetic rat treated with V. amygdalina and metformin. Blood glucose levels, lipid profile, and pancreatic histology were assessed. Results showed that treatment with V. amygdalina, metformin, and their combination significantly reduced blood glucose levels at p < 0.05 compared to the diabetic control group. V. amygdalina positively impacted lipid profiles, significantly at p < 0.05, reducing triacylglycerol (TAG) levels and displaying a dose-dependent hypolipidemic effect. Histopathological examination indicated cellular regeneration in pancreatic tissues treated with metformin and the combination therapy. The study highlights the potential of V. amygdalina as an alternative to conventional diabetes treatment.
Article DOI: 10.54178/jsedmv7i1002

