Godwin Christian Akuodor
1* 
, Pius Monday Udia
2 , Sylvester Chika Ohadoma
2 , Ifeanyi M. Obi
1 , Anthony Uchenna Megwas
3 , Jane Ugochi Chilaka
4 , Kingsley Chimsorom Chilaka
1 , Francis Vincent Udoh
2 1 Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nigeria
2 Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
3 Department of Optometry, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria
4 Department of Haematology, Faculty of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nigeria
Abstract
Introduction: Salacia lehmbachii is used traditionally for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. This study investigated the hypoglycaemic potentials of ethanol leaf extract of S. lehmbachii and its effects on alloxan-induced diabetic rats’ haematological parameters. Methods: A total of 36 male Wistar rats including normal, diabetic untreated, and diabetic treated ones were used in this study. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of 150 mg/kg of alloxan. When confirmed diabetes, the rats were orally administered 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg daily of the leaf extract for 21 days. The blood glucose levels and haematological parameters were determined in diabetic treated rats compared with the controls. Results: The ethanol leaf extract of S. lehmbachii significantly reduced the blood glucose levels of alloxan-induced diabetic rats when compared with the diabetic control (P < 0.01). The extract also significantly (P < 0.01) improved the haematological parameters of treated rats at three doses employed. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the ethanol leaf extract of S. lehmbachii possesses antihyperglycaemic properties and could be considered a potential candidate for the development of new drugs in the treatment of anaemic conditions.
Implication for health policy/practice/research/medical education:
In this study, Salacia lehmbachii ethanol leaf extract significantly demonstrated antihyperglycaemic activity and improved haematological parameters. Hence, this plant can be considered as a candidate for bioassay-guided and isolation of compounds, which could possibly be developed into new lead structures for drug development programs against diseases.