Al-Hindi, Bassel and Yusoff, Nor A. and Atangwho, Item J. and Ahmad, Mariam and Asmawi, Mohd Z. and Mun, F. Yam
(2016)
A Soxhlet Extract of Gongronema latifolium
Retains Moderate Blood Glucose Lowering Effect and
Produces Structural Recovery in the Pancreas of STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats.
Medical Sciences, 4 (2).
pp. 1-13.
ISSN 2076-3271
Abstract
Gongronema latifolium Benth. (GL) possesses considerable glucose lowering
effects able to be utilized on a large-scale. This paper investigates the effects of a Soxhlet extract on
hyperglycemia, Langerhans islets and glucose uptake by abdominal muscles. Methods: Ethanol and a
Soxhlet apparatus were used to obtain GL ethanolic Soxhlet extract (GLES). It was then administered
to randomly-segregated male Sprague-Dawley, normal and STZ-induced diabetic rats, using oral
gavage to evaluate blood glucose levels (BGLs), serum lipid profile, insulin levels and the pancreas
post-treatment. Results: GLES significantly (p < 0.05) decreased BGLs of normal rats in glucose
tolerance testing at a dose of 2 g/kg b.w. but failed to do so in diabetic rats undergoing acute 7-h
treatment. Given twice-daily, 1 g/kg b.w. of GLES moderately controlled diabetic BGLs starting from
day 10. After 14 days of treatment, 1 g/kg and 0.5 g/kg b.w. of GLES caused 44% and 50% respective
increases in the average area of Langerhans islets compared to DC. Using isolated rat abdominal
muscle, GLES was found to be a mild insulin-sensitizer. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence
of the known glucose-lowering phytosterol, Sitostenone. Conclusion: Despite retaining moderate
antidiabetic activity, Soxhlet extraction of Gongronema latifolium probably leads to the destruction of
active heat-liable compounds.
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