Evalution of Anti-Diabetic Potential of Aqueous Extract of “Luffa cylindrica” (Native Sponge/Sponge Gourd) Leaf and Seed on Alloxan Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats

The study was carried out to evaluate the anti-diabetic effect of Luffa cylindrical (native sponge /sponge gourd) seed and leaf extracts in alloxan- induced diabetic rats. Sixteen experimental rats were divided into four groups of four rats each: a, diabetic control; b, normal control; c, diabetic rats treated with seed extract (400 mg/kg) and d, diabetic rats treated with leaf extract (400 mg/kg). The groups A, C and D rats were induced with diabetes intraperitoneally with alloxan (150 mg/kg bw). Phytochemical screening was carried out on the plant seed and leaf extracts and the following biochemical tests were carried out: blood glucose, serum lipid profile, serum alanine aminotransferase, serum aspartate aminotransferase, serum alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albumin, creatinine, urea, uric acid and some electrolytes like Na+, K+, HCO3-, and Cl- the administration of alloxan to experimental rats resulted in an increased level of most biochemical parameters; blood glucose, serum alanine aminotransferase, serum aspartate aminotransferase and serum alkaline phosphatase, serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein, creatinine, urea and uric acid. Luffa cylindrica seed and leaf extracts was administered to groups c and d diabetic rats respectively for two weeks, results were compared with normal control and diabetic control rats these parameters were found to be significantly (p<0.05) high in the diabetic groups than in the normal control groups. Treatment with the plant extract significantly (p<0.05) reduced elevated blood levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, urea, uric acid associated with alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The plant tested positive for alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and tannins, negative for cardiac glycosides, phenols, resins, terpenes and steroids. Extracts of Luffa cylindrica seed and leaf has shown to have anti-diabetic and anti-lipidemic effects generally on alloxan induced diabetic rats. The study’s findings has shown that the plant possess hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic property and has supported the traditional use of Luffa cylindrica plant in the management of diabetes and its complications.