Hydro-Ethanol Extract of the Aerial Parts of Secamone afzelii Ameliorates Diabetic Status of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus as the most prevalent metabolic disease has become a global health challenge. This study evaluated the hypoglycemic potential of Secamone afzelii (Apocynaceae) aerial part extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Four groups of five diabetic rats each were treated orally once daily for 21 days with S. afzelii extract (100 and 200 mg/kg), metformin (150 mg/kg), or normal saline (10 mL/kg), while a fifth group as non-diabetic group received distilled water. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were monitored weekly, and blood samples were analyzed for serum enzymes, lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL), hemoglobin, and blood parameters on day 21. The histopathology of the cardiac, hepatic and renal tissues was also examined. The S. afzelii extract at both doses significantly reduced glucose levels (p<0.05) of diabetic rats compared to the standard metformin after 21 days of treatment. HDL levels slightly increased (p>0.05) without altering LDL, while Triglyceride (TG) and Total Cholesterol (TC) levels were lower in extract treated groups than in metformin-treated group. Serum biomarkers of liver (ALT and AST) and kidney (creatinine and urea) were reduced in extract-treated groups when compared to untreated diabetic group. Hematological parameters, such as red and white blood cell counts, improved. Histopathology revealed that the extract restored damage to heart, liver, and kidney tissues caused by hyperglycemia. The findings demonstrate that the S. afzelii hydro-ethanolic extract exhibits notable hypoglycemic activity, improves lipid profile, and mitigates organ damage in diabetic rats. Further studies are needed to confirm its potential for antidiabetic therapy development.