Streptozotocin induced diabetes: biochemical properties in herbs treated wistar albino rats

The effect of aqueous extract of two herbs Tapinanthus bengwensis and Oscimum gratissimum treatment on Wistar Rats induced with diabetic streptozotocin (Zanosar) have been investigated. Their hypoglycemic properties were evaluated after treatment of separate groups of adult male and female rats weighing between 240-300g with 5% and 10% aqueous extract of the herbs for 16 days resulted in significant (p<0.05) reduction of fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glycated heamoglobin (HbA1c). Other paramaters investigated were insulin, glutathione (GSH) creatinine and urea. Further analysis of data with a scatter plot of individual groups according to their FBG and HbA1c shows a positive linear correlation and the linear regression had a coefficient of r=0.69 significant at 0.01 level (r=0.69, p<0.01). Histological examination of the kidney and pancrease pre and post induction were studied. We deduced an improvement from the weight status. Treatment with T.bengwensis improved GSH, insulin and creatinine levels appreciably suggesting possible credence for its efficacy in management of diabetes mellitus specifically as it has to do with protection of red blood cells and kidney functions.