Hypoglycemic, antidyslipidemic, hepatoprotective and antilipid peroxidation activities of hydromethanol leaf extract of Helianthus annuus in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Purpose: To investigate the hypoglycemic, antidyslipidemic, hepatoprotective and anti-lipid peroxidation effects of hydromethanol leaf extract of Helianthus annuus (HLEHA) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.Methods: The extract was administered once daily at 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg for 21 consecutive days. Glibenclamide (GLB) 2 mg/kg was used as a reference drug (positive control) and 5 % Tween-20 solution in water was used as negative control. The fasting blood glucose (FBG) and body weights were measured on days 7, 14 and 21 while glycosylated haemoglobin concentration (HbA1c), serum markers of liver function, lipid profile, antioxidant status, histopathological changes in pancreas and liver were determined 24 h after the last dosing on day 21.Results: The GLB and HLEHA caused significant (p < 0.05) time-dependent weight gains in the treated rats when compared with 5 % Tween-20 treated rats. The HLEHA and GLB caused significant (p < 0.05) decreases in FBG, HbA1c, malondialdehyde, and lipid profile levels in the treated rats when compared with rats in 5% tween-20 treated group. Alloxan-induced pancreatic and hepatic degeneration were reversed in GLB- and HLEHA-treated rats.Conclusion: Helianthus annuus demonstrates potent antidiabetic, antioxidant and antidyslipidemic activities in rats.Keywords: Antidiabetic, Antidyslipidemic, Helianthus annuus, Medicinal plant, Traditional medicine