Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Total Phenols from Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides Leaves Treated Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Albino Rats

Aims: Ethyl acetate fraction of total phenols from Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides leaves was evaluated for its effects in alloxan-induced diabetic male albino rats.

Methodology: Diabetes was induced in rats by administrating alloxan monohydrate at a dose of 130 mg/kg body weight. The ethyl acetate fraction was administered to rats at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. daily for 15 days. Blood glucose, lipid profile and pancreatic histopathology were monitored using standard methods.

Results: Results indicated that two weeks after treatment with Z. zanthoxyloides, significant (p<0.05) reductions in hyperglycemic blood glucose, total cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) were recorded; with lowest values recorded in the group treated with the highest concentration of the extract. Histopathological examination of pancreatic tissues supported the protective effect of Z. zanthoxyloides phenol extract against diabetic damage.

Conclusion: In conclusion, total phenols of Z. zanthoxyloides exerted antidiabetic effects in alloxan-induced diabetic rats and protected pancreatic tissues from diabetic damage.