Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic Effects of Anthocleista vogelii Methanol Leaf Extract in Phenylhydrazine-Induced Anaemic Rats

Abstract

Anaemia is often associated with disturbances in glucose and lipid metabolism, increasing the risk of metabolic and cardiovascular complications. This study investigated the effects of methanol leaf extract of Anthocleista vogelii on glucose concentrations and lipid profile in phenylhydrazine-induced anaemic Wistar rats. Forty-five male Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n=9). Anaemia was induced with phenylhydrazine (40 mg/kg) administered intraperitoneally on two consecutive days. The rats were treated with Anthocleista vogelii extract at doses of 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, and 600 mg/kg body weight for 21 days. Results showed that anaemia significantly elevated blood glucose concentrations and disrupted lipid profiles, marked by increased total cholesterol (4.0 ± 0.20 mmol/L), triglycerides (1.15 ± 0.05 mmol/L), and LDL (2.961 ± 0.203 mmol/L), alongside reduced HDL (0.517 ± 0.029 mmol/L) compared to the normal control. Treatment with Anthocleista vogelii extract significantly reduced blood glucose concentrations to 4.160 ± 0.040 mmol/L in the 600 mg/kg group by day 21. Additionally, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL concentrations were significantly decreased, while HDL concentrations improved in treated groups, particularly at the 600 mg/kg dose. These changes were observed progressively over the 7th, 14th, and 21st days of treatment. The hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects observed suggest that Anthocleista vogelii may offer therapeutic benefits in mitigating metabolic dysfunctions commonly associated with anaemia, including hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. This study provides scientific support for the traditional medicinal use of Anthocleista vogelii in managing metabolic disorders.