Hypoglycaemic and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Stem Bark Extracts of Enantia chlorantha in Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

This study investigated the hypoglycemic and anti-inflammatory properties of Enantia chlorantha (EC) stem bark extract in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. EC, a medicinal plant integral to traditional Nigerian medicine, was extracted using hydroethanol (HE) and ethyl acetate (EA) solvents. Forty-two male Wistar rats fed a high-fat diet, were randomized into six groups (n=7) plus a normal control group. The groups included diabetic and metformin controls, and test groups receiving E. chlorantha extracts. Treatments were administered as follows: untreated diabetic control, metformin (35 mg/kg), and   E. chlorantha extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg for both HE and EA). After 28 days, a significant dose-dependent reduction (p < 0.05) in blood glucose and pro-inflammatory markers (IL1B, TNF-α, NFKB) was observed in the treated groups compared to the diabetic control. These findings suggest that E. chlorantha exhibits the potential to modulate blood glucose levels and inflammatory responses, supporting its therapeutic use in diabetes management. The study highlights the bioactive potential of EC and provides a basis for further research into its mechanisms and applications.