Calotropis procera Root Extract\'s Anti-diabetic and Hepatoprotective Therapeutic Activity in Alloxan-Induced Pancreatic Toxicity in Wistar Rats

Background: Studies suggest that herbal remedies may serve as functional anti-diabetic agents. This study investigated the therapeutic role of Calotropis procera aqueous-methanol root extract in hyperglycaemic and hepatopathy disorders in Wistar rats after exposure to alloxan. This compound destroys pancreatic β-cells and produce diabetes in experimental animals. Methods: Spectrophotometric methods were used to assay the antioxidants and biochemical parameters while histological examinations were employed to assess the structural changes in the harvested tissue under light microscopy. Results: The secondary metabolites were quantified by spectrochemistry methods. The extract was rich in flavonoids and low in terpenoids, and contained ursolic acid, lupeol and oleanolic acid. The extract's strong anti-radical activity was due to its low IC50 values. The extract suppressed α-amylase more than α-glucosidase activity by 3.99%, and the blood glucose declined in the diabetic group by 64.25%. The malondialdehyde level was low in the treated group while it declined significantly in the normal group. The superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione levels were also low in the untreated versus the treated group. There were reduced activities of aspartate and alanine aminotransferases and alkaline phosphatase; however, the albumin and total protein levels increased mildly in the treated compared to the untreated group. The liver and pancreas histology revealed normal hepatocyte and β-islet architecture in the treated group as opposed to blood vessels congestion and β cells necrosis in the untreated group. Conclusions: The extract cytotoxic effects on the pancreatic and liver cells may be linked to the antioxidant role of its phytochemical constituents.