Combinatorial Effects of Aqueous Root Extract of Jatropha Curcas and J. Gossypiifolia in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Background: Combinatorial effects of aqueous root extract of Jatropha curcas (Jc) and J. gossypiifolia (Jg) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats was investigated in this research. Methods: Thirty-six wistar rats were randomized into six groups of six animals each. Group I (control) was not induced but received 0.5 ml of distilled water. Groups II, III, IV, V and VI were induced with diabetes mellitus using alloxan monohydrate and received 14.2 mg/kg body weight (b/wt) glucophage, 0.5ml of distilled water, 250 mg/kg body weight of the root extracts of J. curcas, J. gossypiifolia and the combined extract respectively for 15 d. Results: The mixture of J. curcas and J. gossypiifolia in alloxan-induced diabetic rats resulted in significant reduction in the blood glucose between 39.7% reduction by day 3 and 73.3% reduction by day 13 (P<0.05). The abnormal levels of serum and liver enzymes in the diabetic group reflected the significant alteration of liver function by alloxan monohydrate and administration of the mixture was found to restore each enzyme activity to a level that compared well with glucophage. The serum lipid levels were also restored to near normal by this mixture for all the evaluated parameters. Conclusion: The mixture of roots of J. curcas and J. gossypiifolia has a greater potential for effective antidiabetic activity compare with individual plant extracts and may be safe for consumption.