Aqueous extract of leaves of Cassia siamea Lam exhibited antihyperglycemic effect and improved kidney function in diabetic Wistar rats

Abstract

Background and Objective: The leaves of Cassia siamea Lam. (Fabaceae) have been widely used in folklore medicine for the treatment of diabetes and hypertension. This study aimed to investigate if aqueous extract of leaves of C. siamea can protect against hyperglycemia in experimental diabetes. Materials and methods: Preliminary, acute toxicity of aqueous extract of C. siamea (LACS) was evaluated. Then, acute hypoglycemic test and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were performed for three doses of LACS (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/bw; vo) in non-diabetic Wistar rats. Third, in alloxan-induced diabetic rats, oral treatment with LACS (200 mg/kg/day), vehicle (10 mL/kg/day) and glibenclamide (10 mg/kg/day) was performed for 4 weeks. Fasting blood glucose, changes in body weight and food intake were evaluated. Biomarkers of kidney functions (urea and creatinine) were determined. Results : Dose of 2000 mg/kg bw of aqueous extracts of C. siamea was not toxic. In non-diabetic rats, LACS significantly prevented oral glucose-induced hyperglycemia. In diabetic rats, this extracts significantly increased body weight without modify the food intake after four weeks of administration. Interestingly, it signi?cantly reversed the hyperglycemia and improved kidney functions, i.e reduced serum urea and creatinine levels without affect the serum concentrations of Na⁺, K⁺, Cl^- and Ca^2+. . Conclusions: These ?ndings proved that leaves of C. siamea owned a benefic effect on hyperglyceamia and protected against kidney dysfunctions in diabetes. Hence, it could be used in the management of diabetes.