The Effect of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Mentha piperita on Alloxan–induced Pancreatic Damage on Adult Male Wistar Rats

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is believed to result from destruction of the insulin-producing β-cells in pancreatic islets, mediated by autoimmune mechanisms and is characterized by hyperglycemia. The present study aims to investigate the effect of phytochemical composition of mentha piperita methanolic extract on the pancreas on alloxan-induced type 1 diabetes, and how it affects blood sugar levels. Twenty-eight adult male wistar rats with body weights ranging between 120g – 200g were taken for the study and equally divided into four groups (Groups A-D of 7 rats per group). Group A served as the positive control group, Group B was induced with mint only, Group C was referred as the negative control group for alloxan induced diabetes, Group D, also made diabetic, would be treated with methanolic mint extract at 400mg/kg for 42 days. A single dose of 150mg/kg of Alloxan monohydrate was used to induce diabetes mellitus in male Wistar rats, after which they were tested and confirmed diabetic after 48 hours. Methanolic extract of mentha piperita was administered once daily on the diabetic rats for 42 days. Glucose levels were checked every two weeks before and after the treatment in order to determine the glycemic profiles. The results presented in this study indicate the presence of type 1 diabetes mellitus, and this study strongly suggests the use of mentha piperita as a therapeutic intervention for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus.