Effect of methanol extract of musa sapientum leaves on protein glycation and erythrocyte antioxidant status in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND

Increased generation of free radicals from protein glycation has been associated with compromised integrity of erythrocytes in diabetes. Musa sapientum has been reported to possess anti-diabetic properties and this study investigated the effect of methanol extract of Musa sapientum on protein glycation and erythrocyte integrity.

METHODS

Forty-two male Wistar rats (180-200g) were randomly grouped into seven: 1 (control), 2 (diabetic untreated), 3 (normal extract-treated (250 mg/kg)), 4 (normal metformin-treated (150 mg/kg)), 5 (diabetic extract-treated (250 mg/kg)), 6 (diabetic metformin-treated (150 mg/kg)), 7 (diabetic insulin-treated (1 IU/kg)). Diabetes was induced with single intraperitoneal injection of 120 mg/kg alloxan. Animals were treated for 14 days and blood (3 mls) was collected from retro-orbital plexus to determine serum fructosamine level, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA(1c)) level was estimated using a conversion formula. Animals were sacrificed thereafter by cervical dislocation and pancreatic tissues were excised and stained with haematoxylin and eosin for histological study. Statistical significance at P < 0.05 was analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Newman-Keuls' post-hoc test.

RESULTS

Diabetic rats treated with extract, metformin and insulin had significant reduction in serum fructosamine level by 62.64%, 74.63% and 56.05% respectively while HbA(1c) level reduced by 45.06%, 50.62% and 40.57% respectively. Activities of erythrocyte SOD and GPx were increased in the extract-treated group. Histological studies showed regeneration of islet cells in the diabetic extract-treated rat which was comparable to normal.

CONCLUSION

The extract inhibited protein glycation, regenerated the islet cells and improved erythrocyte antioxidant status in diabetic rats.