Effect of Methanol Extract of Ricinus communis (RC) Seeds on Blood Glucose Levels, Antioxidant Enzymes and Haematological Parameters of Alloxan Induced Male Wistar Albino Rats

The study investigated the effect of methanol extract of R. communis seeds on blood glucose levels, antioxidant enzymes and haematological parameters of alloxan induced male Wistar albino rats. The methanol extract had LD50 value above 5000 mg kg–1 b.wt. After alloxan induction of diabetes, a significant (p<0.05) decrease in blood glucose levels were observed in all the test groups treated with the extract, when compared with positive control (group 2). The extract treated groups showed significant (p<0.05) increase in PCV, Hb, RBC and significant decrease (p<0.05) in WBC counts, when compared with positive control, however, no significant (p<0.05) difference was observed in total serum protein. With exception of group 4, malondiadehyde concentration decreased significantly (p<0.05) in test groups relative to positive control. A concentration dependent increase in glutathione activity in extract treated groups close to metformin treated group was observed when compared with normal and positive controls respectively. At higher concentrations of the extract, superoxide dismutase activity increased significantly (p<0.05) when compared with positive control. At lower concentrations of the extract, catalase activity increased significantly (p<0.05) close to metformin treated group but decreased significantly (p<0.05) with increasing concentrations of the extract close to positive control. The results of the study showed that the methanol extract of RC ...
Source: Research Journal of Medicinal Plant - Category: Complementary Medicine Source Type: research