Hypoglycemic and Hypocholesterolaemic Effect of Aqueous Extract of Acalypha wilkesiana 'godseffiana' Muell arg on Alloxan Treated Wistar Rats:Implications for Cardiovascular Risk Management in the Diabetic

The effect of aqueous extract of Acalypha wilkesiana on the plasma glucose level, chemistry and lipid profile, and atherogenic indices were investigated in alloxan treated Wistar rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced by injection of alloxan (140mg/kg body weight), via the tail vein. The extract was administered orally at 150 and 200mg/kg, and metformin at 50mg/kg. Compared to test control, the treatment lowered (significantly, P<0.05) plasma glucose (on day 1), total, LDL- and non HDL-cholesterols and conjugated bilirubin levels, and not significantly, cardiac risk ratio and atherogenic index of plasma, but increased (though not significantly) plasma HDL cholesterol level; without significantly affecting plasma chemistry and marker enzymes. These results show the dose dependent hypoglycemic and cardioprotective potential (especially against dyslipidemic conditions), of the extract.