Abstract

Bryophyllum pinnatum is a known herb found in the tropical region of Africa and other parts of the world. In this study, the ethanol extract of the plant was investigated for possible anti-diabetic effect on alloxan induced hyperglycaemic wistar albino rats. Phytochemical studies revealed that Flavonoids and alkaloids were highly abundant compared to steroids and terpenoids which were slightly present while glycosides and reducing sugar were moderately present. Diabetes was induced via intraperitoneal injection using alloxan monohydrate. Groups 2 to 5 were induced while Groups 1, 6 and 7 were not. Group 1 was negative control group; Group 2 was positive control group, while Group 3 was the standard control. Groups 4 to 7 were the treatment groups. The results of anti-hyperglycaemic effect of the extract showed a significant (p<0.05) reduction in the glucose level of alloxan-induced diabetic rats in Groups 4 and 5, respectively treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight of the extract when compared with the positive control. However, there was a significant increase (p<0.05) in some haematological parameters such as red blood cell count, haemoglobin count, packed cell volume of groups 4, 5, 6, and 7 when compared with the positive control. There was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the malondialdehyde, low density lipoprotein, triacylglycerol and total cholesterol concentrations of groups 4, 5, 6, and 7 when compared with the positive control. The result of the study showed that the extract of B. pinnatum exhibited anti-hyperglycaemic activities in alloxan-induced diabetic wistar albino rats.

Key words: Brohyllum pinnatum, phytochemistry, Diabetes, haematological parameters.