Cardioprotective Potential Of Vernonia Amygdalina And Ocimum Gratissimum Against Streptozotocin (Stz) – Induced Diabetes In Wistar Rats.

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is characterized by disordered metabolism and abnormally high blood sugar resulting from insufficient levels of insulin. It is a disease of the developed world that is gradually creeping into developing countries, especially in Africa where Westernized diets are imbibed. Vernonia amygdalina and Ocimum gratissimum have been used singly for the management of diabetes in Nigeria, especially in the South Eastern part. The acceptance of the use of polyherbal therapy necessitated the research of the combination of these two herbs in the management of diabetes. Forty Wistar rats of an average weight of 140g were used for this study and were randomly divided into five (5) groups of eight (8) rats each. Groups A and B served as the normal and diabetic controls respectively and were given placebo treatment. Groups C, D and E were the experimental groups administered with 200mg/kg body weight of the extracts by gastric intubations for 28 days. Groups C and D received extracts of Vernonia amygdalina and Ocimum gratissimum respectively. Group E received a combination of both extracts. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) level was checked on a weekly basis. Results showed a significant lowering of FBG level of animals in the treated groups, while the diabetic control group recorded a significant increase in FBG. The normal control group had FBG level within the normal range. Histological examination revealed a normal cytoarchitecture in the group A animals. The diabetic control group B animals showed degeneration of myocytes, loss of nuclei, loss of cross striation of the cardiac muscles and an increase in myofibre diameter. These conditions were greatly reversed in the treated groups that received the extracts. It can therefore be concluded that Vernonia amygdalina and Ocimum gratissimum may be effective and safe in the proper management of cardiomyopathy, one of the numerous complications of diabetes mellitus.