Protective Role of Methanol Leaf Extract of Catharanthus Roseus in Lipid Profile Modulation in Diabetic Wistar Rats

Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a long-term metabolic condition frequently linked to lipid imbalances, which may elevate the risk of cardiovascular complications. Abnormalities in lipid profiles, such as increased cholesterol and triglycerides and decreased high-density lipoproteins (HDL), are commonly observed in diabetic individuals. Natural plant extracts, including Catharanthus roseus, have long been recognized for their medicinal properties, although their potential impact on lipid profiles requires further investigation. Objective To evaluate the effects of methanol leaf extract of Catharanthus roseus on the lipid profile of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Methods The study involved 30 male Wistar albino rats, divided into five groups: Normal Control (NC), Diabetic Control (DC), Positive Control (PC), Low Dose (LD-200 mg/kg) Catharanthus roseus (LD-200 mg/kg), and High Dose (HD-400 mg/kg) Catharanthus roseus. Diabetes was induced with a single intraperitoneal dose of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg). Animals with fasting blood glucose levels above 180 mg/dL were included. Treatments were administered for 30 days, with lipid profiles like total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) assessed on the 15th and 30th days. Results Diabetic rats exhibited increased total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL levels, and decreased HDL levels. Treatment with Catharanthus roseus extract significantly improved lipid profiles in a dose-dependent manner, with the HD-400 mg/kg showing the most notable changes, including increased HDL levels. Conclusion The study highlights the potential of Catharanthus roseus methanol leaf extract in improving lipid profiles in diabetic rats, suggesting its utility as a complementary therapy for managing dyslipidemia in diabetes.