Assessment of atherogenic indices and modification of lipid profiles by aqueous and methanol extracts of Terminalia catappa leaves in diabetic rats

Atherogenic indices are useful markers for prediction of cardiovascular diseases. This study investigates atherogenic indices in diabetic rats treated with different fractions of Terminalia catappa leaf extract. A total of Forty-two [42] male Wistar rats were randomly shared into 7 groups of 6 rats per group. Group 1 [control] received 5 ml/kg body weight of distilled water orally. Group 2 was treated with aqueous leaf extract of T. catappa at 130 mg/kg body weight orally while Group 3, diabetic untreated group orally received distilled water, 5ml/Kg body weight. Groups 4 and 5 were diabetic rats treated respectively with 130 mg/Kg body weight of aqueous leaf extract of T. catappa and subcutaneous administration of insulin, 0.75 U/Kg body weight. Group 6 received methanol fraction of T. catappa leaf extract; 130 mg/Kg body weight and group 7 was administered orally with 30 mg/Kg body weight of aspirin. Diabetes was induced with streptozotocin; 65 mg/Kg body weight. Results showed significant [p < 0.05] increase in TC, TG, LDL-c and VLDL-c in diabetic untreated group and significant reduction in HDL-c. These lipids were reduced and HDL-c increased significantly [p < 0.05] in aqueous and methanol extracts of T. catappa leaves treated groups. There was significant [p< 0.05] Fasting Blood Glucose reduction in both fractions. Therefore, modifications of lipid profile and reduction of atherogenic index in diabetic rats were similar in aqueous and methanol extracts of T. catappa leaves suggesting the potentials of preventing cardiovascular complications in diabetes mellitus.