Oxidant–Antioxidant Status and Renal Function in Wistar Rats after Administration of Vernonia amygdalina Fractions in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by sustained hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. It accounts for about 3% of all deaths globally and affects all glucose utilizing tissue leading to severe complications. One third of diabetes patients eventually develops renal complications and is the major cause of end stage renal disease the pathogenesis of which has been associated to oxidative stress. An alternative approach in the management of diabetes has focused on the role of herbs. In this study, Vernonia amygdalina a tropical savanna herb was studied for its potent antioxidant property and its ameliorative effect on diabetic renal complication. 40 adult male wistar rats were divided into eight groups (n=5) A-H. Fresh Vernonia amygdalina leaves were extracted and fractionated using four solvents of varying polarity. The extracts were further concentrated and reconstituted and was administered to the animals. Group A were used as control, groups B-H were induced diabetes with a single intravenous injection of 60 mg/kg B.W. streptozotocin. Group B were induced with diabetes but left untreated, group C received metformin (50 mg/kg B.W.) while groups D-H received 300 mg/kg B.W of crude Vernonia and the respective fractions of the plants. Laboratory analysis at the end of the analysis showed that the plant crude and fraction reduced the level of fasting blood glucose between 30– 80%, increased serum catalase and superoxide dismutase level while decreasing malondialdehyde level. The plant caused significant reduction in serum creatinine level compared to the untreated diabetic groups and the control groups. The study shows that Vernonia amygdalina reduces oxidative stress by causing a balance in the oxidant–antioxidant level as well restores deranged renal function seen in diabetes mellitus.