Phytochemical, Antihyperglycaemic and Lipid Profile Effects of Methanol Extract Fraction of Ricinus comminus Seeds in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Male Wistar Albino

The study investigated phytochemical, antihyperglycaemic and lipid profile effects of methanol extract fraction of Ricinus comminus seeds in alloxan induced diabetic male Wistar albino rats alloxan. Eighteen mice were used for the lethal dose (LD50) study while 54 Wistar albino male rats were used for the antihyperglycaemic and lipid profile, respectively. The result of the phytochemical analysis showed the richness of the extract in important phytochemicals that could confer some health benefits. The methanol extract fraction had LD50>5000 mg kgG 1 b.wt., which indicate that the extract was safe to larger extent. The baseline blood glucose concentration showed non-diabetic glucose level 105.10±4.61 mg dLG. Diabetes was induced with alloxan monohydrate. Significant decrease (p<0.05) in blood glucose levels in the test animals were observed when compared with positive control. The extract had significant effect on the blood glucose levels and lipid profile of the treated rats closer to that of the standard drug (metformin) with the serum total cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels decreasing significantly (p<0.05) in all test groups relative to positive control. However, serum HDL showed significant increase (p<0.05) in group 4 and 5 when compared with positive control. The results of the study showed that the methanol extract fraction of Ricinus communis seeds exhibited significant antihyperglycaemic activities against alloxan induced diabetes in Wistar albino rats. It suggests that the methanol extract fraction possess bioactive compounds that when properly harnessed could help in improving the health state of diabetic patients.