Antihyperglycaemic and Antihyperlipidaemic Activities of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Eleusine coracana (Linn.) Gaertn. in Alloxan-Induced Hyperglycaemic Rats

The importance of Eleusine coracana against diabetes mellitus is documented in the literature. The effectiveness of its leaf extract against diabetes is highly praised among the rural people of northern Nigeria. In this study, we examined the antihyperglycaemic and antihyperlipidaemic potentials of E. coracana leaf extract (ECE) in alloxan-induced hyperglycaemic Wistar rats. Phytochemical screening of ECE was carried out as well as the oral median lethal dose (LD50) determination in rats. Hyperglycaemia was produced in rats by injecting alloxan monohydrate (130 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. The ECE at oral doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg were administrated once daily to the hyperglycaemic rats for 14 days. The effect of ECE on fasting blood glucose levels, body weight, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were measured and analyzed. Phytochemical tests showed the presence of alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, saponins and cardiac glycosides while the oral LD50 was >5000 mg/kg. Administration of ECE significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the blood glucose levels compared to the hyperglycaemic control rats at different time intervals, while the body weights were significantly (p < 0.05) increased. Alloxan administration resulted in significant (p < 0.05) elevation of LDL, TG, TC and decline in HDL levels when compared to normal rats. However, ECE significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the LDL, TG and TC levels, and increased the HDL levels of the hyperglycaemic rats. In conclusion, the results suggest that ethanol leaf extract of E. coracana possesses antihyperglycaemic and antihyperlipidaemic properties.