Hypoglycaemic activity of <i>Commelina africana</i> and <i>Ageratum conyzoides</i> in relation to their mineral composition

Abstract

Background: Many plants with antidiabetic properties probably act in part through their content of fibre, vitamins, bioactive or mineral content Objectives: This study investigated the mineral, proximate, phytochemical compositions and hypoglycaemic effect of Commelina africana and Ageratum conyzoides extracts in diabetic rats, and the likely relationship between this property and the mineral, proximate and phytochemical compositions of the plants . Methods:The plants were subjected to mineral, proximate composition and phytochemical analysis. Attempt was made to see (if any) the relationship between the hypoglycaemic effect and the mineral, proximate compositions and phytochemistry of the plants. Alloxan-induced diabetic animals were administered 500mg/kg body weight aqueous extracts of the plants and glibenclamide as the reference hypoglycaemic agent. Results: Aqueous extract of Ageratum conyzoides reduced fasting blood glucose of experimental animals by 39.1% while Commelina africana reduced the same by 78.0%. Alkaloids, cardenolides, saponins, and tannins were detected in both plants. Anthraquinones was absent in C. africana but a trace of it was detected in A. conyzoides. The hypoglycaemic effect of Commelina africana was comparable with the reference hypoglycaemic agent. Ageratum conyzoides showed comparably weaker hypoglycaemic effect than exhibited by reference hypoglycaemic agent. Comparatively, Commelina africana had higher mineral concentrations (except Na) than Ageratum conyzoides. Conclusions: Plants' extracts minerals (magnesium, potassium and iron) and bioactive components (alkaloids and cardenolides) seemingly enhanced their hypoglycaemic effect. Furthermore, these minerals, alkaloids and cardenolides could be helpful in ameliorating complications of diabetes like hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

Profile of SGPT and SGOT on Male Rats (Rattus norvegicus) Hyperglycemic After Giving Insulin Leaf Extract (Tithonia diversifolia)

“…Liver can be damaged during hyperglycemic conditions due to the increase of blood glucose levels exceeding normal (Sari et al, 2010). It is characterized by the presence of blood glucose more than 126 mg/dL (Prasetyo et al, 2016), which can cause glucose availability in cells decreases so that it can trigger the occurrence of gluconeogenesis in liver cells (Agunbiade et al, 2012). These conditions over a long period of time can lead to increase Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) compounds that can bind to hepatocyte structures, thereby able to cause hepatocyte damage which is begin with degeneration, up to cellular necrosis (Maulida et al, 2013).…”

Ultrastructure and elemental analysis of <i>Hypoxis hemerocallidea</i>: A multipurpose medicinal plant

“…This could as well account for the many therapeutic uses of the plant. For example, sodium and potassium are responsible for maintaining the electrolyte balance of the cells, water balance and distribution, blood pressure, acid-base balance, muscle and cell nerve function, heart function, kidney and adrenal functions (Agunbiade et al, 2012). These elements (sodium and potassium) were present in significant amounts in the leaves of H. hemerocallidea.…”

Phytochemical constituents and ethnopharmacological properties of Ageratum conyzoides L.

“…3.12 | Anti-diabetic activity Nyunai, Manguelle-Dicoum, Njifutie, Abdennebe, and Gerard (2010) reported anti-diabetic activity from the aqueous extract of A. conyzoides leaves in normoglycaemic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (Nyunai et al, 2010). Agunbiade, Ojezele, Ojezele, and Ajayi (2012) have reported that the aqueous leaf extract of A. conyzoides has showed the hypoglycemic activity in the tested animals. Distilled water and ethylacetate leaf extracts of A. conyzoides have been found to be antidiabetic effect in Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (Agbafor et al, 2015).…”

“…conyzoides leaves in normoglycaemic and streptozotocin‐ induced diabetic rats (Nyunai et al, ). Agunbiade, Ojezele, Ojezele, and Ajayi () have reported that the aqueous leaf extract of A . conyzoides has showed the hypoglycemic activity in the tested animals.…”