Antioxidative Effect of Phenolic Extract of Vitex doniana Leaves on Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Stress and Histological Changes in the Pancreas of Wistar Rat doi.org/10.26538/tjnpr/v6i2.16

Abstract

Hyperglycemia is implicated in the generation and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in endothelial dysfunction and vascular damage. However, plant derived phenolics are primary antioxidants with potential to prevent chronic and oxidative stress-related disorders. The study determined the antioxidative stress capacity and restoration of pancreatic activities by Vitex doniana phenolic leaf extract (VDPE) in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats. The ethylacetate leaf extracts is referred to as the phenolic extract. Thirty adult male Wistar rats used in the study were divided into six groups of five each. Diabetes was induced in rats of Groups II - VI with 150 mg/kg of Alloxan and subsequently subjected to the following treatment; Group II: received distilled water; Group III: received VDPE (100 mg/kg). Group IV: received VDPE (200 mg/kg). Group V: received VDPE (400 mg/kg) and Group VI: received glibenclamide (0.5 mg/kg). The rats were sacrificed after 14 days of treatment, blood samples were collected and pancreas excised for histopathological studies. Treatment of alloxan-induced diabetic rats with V. doniana phenolic leaf extract showed significant reduction in lipid peroxidation product-malondialdehyde and enhanced concentration of reduced glutathione and vitamin C. Microscopic examination of the pancreatic sections of diabetic rats treated with VDPE showed restoration of pancreatic architecture when compared to the untreated diabetic group. These results indicate V. doniana possesses potent antioxidant capacity and prospects of attenuating pancreatic -cell damage.