Effect of Aqueous Stem Bark Extract of Shea Butter (Vitellaria Paradoxa) Tree on Serum Glucose and Kidney Function Biomakers in Alloxan–Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Plants are the sources of many important drugs of the modern world. This study
is aimed at assessing the safety status of aqueous stem bark extract of Shea
butter tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) as well as its effect on serum glucose and
kidney biomarkers in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Adult mice were
administered oral doses, up to 5000 mg per kg body weight of the extract for
toxicity assessment. Adult (male and female) albino rats weighing between 80-
120 g were used for the study. The animals were divided into four groups of five
(5) albino rats each as follows: Group A – Normal control (distilled water), Group
B – Diabetic rats untreated, Group C – Diabetic rats treated with 100 mg/kg of
aqueous extract of shea butter and Group D – Diabetic rats treated with 0.5
mg/kg anti-diabetic drug (Glibenclamide). Diabetes was induced by a single
subcutaneous administration of alloxan hydrate (150 mg/kg body weight).
Diabetic rats were treated with 100 mg/mL aqueous extract of the plant per
kilogram body weight for two weeks. On the last day of treatment, the animals
were anaesthetized, and blood samples were collected. The serums obtained
were used for the measurement of glucose, urea, creatinine and sodium levels
using standard methods. From the results, no mortality was observed at a dose
less than or equal to 5000 mg/kg body weight. Treatment with the extract
caused a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the blood glucose level and
significantly normalizes blood urea, creatinine and sodium levels of alloxaninduced diabetic rats. Therefore, the extract may serve as a useful material for
screening for antidiabetic drug.