Hydro-Alcoholic Root Extracts of Ziziphus abyssinica is Effective in Diabetes Nephropathy and Diabetic Wound Healing
Samuel A. Akwetey
Department of Biomedical Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.
Douglas B. Aidoo *
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana.
Wisdom Ahlidja
Department of Biomedical Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.
Bright B. Boafo
Department of Toxicology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
Joseph M. Acquah
Department of Biomedical Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.
Joshua F. Agyei
Department of Biomedical Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.
Desmond Bakoji
Department of Biomedical Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.
Portia A. Okyir
Department of Biomedical Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: This study evaluated the potential of Ziziphus abysinnica root extract in managing hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), diabetic wound healing and diabetic nephropathy.
Methodology: Blood glucose concentrations were measured daily for 14 days after daily administrations of either Ziziphus abysinnica (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg, p.o), metformin (300 mg/kg, p.o) or normal saline as negative control before diabetes induction using a single dose of Streptozotocin (60 mg/kg, i.p) and nicotinamide (120 mg/kg, i.p). Histopathological analysis was performed on the harvested kidneys following administration with Ziziphus abysinnica in diabetic rats. The diabetic wound healing potentials of the plant was also evaluated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by treating them with 15%w/w ZAE ointment.
Results: Generally, the percentage of blood glucose levels analysed following administration of drugs were found to be dose-dependent. The highest dose of ZAE (300 mg/kg) had a higher percentage reduction in blood glucose concentration when compared to metformin (300 mg/kg). The lowest dose (30 mg/kg) of ZAE administered attenuated STZ induced pathological damage and showed moderate to maximal improvement to the kidney nephrons. In contrast, the 100 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg dose ZAE demonstrated minimal pathological changes to the kidney architecture.
Conclusion: Overall, our study demonstrated the antidiabetic potential of Ziziphus abysinnica, suggesting its possible therapeutic benefit in diabetic wound healing and diabetic nephropathy.
Keywords: Diabetic nephropathy, diabetic wound, type 2 Diabetes mellitus, Ziziphus abysinnica