Aqueous leaf extract of Rothmannia longiflora improves basal metabolic rate and electrolyte parameters in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

This study evaluated the action of aqueous leaf extract of Rothmannia longiflora on basal metabolic rate and electrolyte profile of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Fifteen male Wistar rats weighing 135-140 g were assigned to 3 groups of 5 rats each. Group 1 which served as control received placebo treatment, group 2 namely the diabetic [untreated] group also received placebo treatment whereas group 3-the extract treated diabetic group was administered extract [15 g/kg body weight] by oral administration for 14 days. Results of BMR measurement showed a significant increase [P<0.01] in BMR level of Diabetic untreated group [1.03+/-0.02 ml/hr/g] compared to the control group [0.79+/-0.07 ml/hr/g]. Extract treatment significantly [P<0.05] decreased BMR in the diabetic rats. Results of analyses of serum electrolytes and glucose showed significant decreases [P<0.01] in sodium and chloride concentrations in the diabetic untreated group when compared to the control. However, sodium and chloride concentrations in the extract treated diabetic were not significantly different from that of their control values. There was no significant difference in potassium and urea concentrations in the extract-treated diabetic rats with respect to their control values. Extract treatment significantly [P<0.05] reduced serum glucose level of the extract treated group when compared to the diabetic untreated group. This suggests that oral administration of Rothmannia longiflora might be beneficial for the restoration of basal metabolic rate and improvement of electrolyte profile in diabetes mellitus.