Antidiabetic Effect of the Aqueous Extract of Lecaniodiscus Cupanioides Planch. (Sapindaceae) Leaves on Alloxan-Induced Hyperglycemia in Rats

This study evaluates the antihyperglycemic effect of the aqueous leaf extract of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides (EAq Lc) in Wistar rats made diabetic by alloxan. The animals were divided into five groups and treated orally with the extract at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, compared to a control group receiving glibenclamide (100 mg/kg). The results show a significant reduction in blood glucose, serum urea, and serum creatinine, as well as normalization of liver markers (ASAT, ALAT, PAL). At a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight, the extract reduced blood glucose levels by 81.68% compared to those of the diabetic control rats, urea by 58.9%, creatinine by 57.96%, aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) by 42.34%, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The extract at 250 mg/kg bw also reduced alanine aminotransferase (ALT) by 68.57% compared to the diabetic control. Thus, the aqueous extract of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides (EAq Lc) regenerated pancreatic β-cells and restored hepatic and renal markers.