ABSTRACT

Annona senegalensis, commonly known as wild custard apple, is a multi-purpose plant used traditionally in the treatment of many diseases. This research work investigated the effects of its leaves on renal function and redox status of alloxan-induced diabetic wistar rats. Twenty-five wistar rats were acclimatized for 14 days under normal laboratory conditions, having free access to rat feed and water. The rats, weighing between 105-160grams, were given alloxan intraperitoneally at 80mg/kg body weight, and checked for the presence of diabetes after three days. They were placed in five groups (A-E) of five (5) rats each. Group A received only water and feed (normal control), Group B induced with alloxan and given standard drug (glibenclamide) served as (positive control), Group C also induced with alloxan but not given any treatment served as (negative control), and Groups D and E received the leaves extract at 50nig/kg body weight and lOOmg/kg body weight respectively. After 14days, they were sacrificed by ocular and heart puncture, blood collected and sera separated for analyses. From the result of the study, it was found that Malondialdehyde levels at 50mg/kg and lOOmg/kg body weight were significantly (p<0.05) lower than that of the negative control and even the positive control. Serum SOD level was significantly (p<0.05) higher than negative control at 50mg/kg body weight but not at lOOmg/kg body weight. There were no significant (p<0.05) difference in vitamin C. Glutathione peroxidase level at 50mg/kg body weight and lOOmg/kg weight were significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of negative and even standard drug. There was significant (p<0.05) increase of vitamin E at lOOmg/kg body weight when compared with positive control and negative control but not at 50mg/kg body weight. Serum creatinine levels at 50mg/kg body weight and lOOmg/kg body weight were significantly (p<0.05) lower than that of negative control and positive control. Catalase activity were significantly (p<0.05) higher at 50mg/kg body weight when compared with positive control but not at lOOmg/kg body weight. Glutathione level were significantly (p<0.05) higher at lOOmg/kg body weight than that of standard drug but not at 50mg/kg body weight. Fasting blood sugar level were significantly (p<0.05) lower at 50mg/kg body weight and 1 OOmg/kg body weight when compared with negative control but not with standard drug and normal control. Based on the result of the analyses, the methanol extract of Annona senegalensis leaves may have some antioxidant properties when administered orally and can also reduce glucose level.