Effect of Vernonia amygdalina on the Serum Amylin and Insulin Levels of Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Vernonia amygdalina extracts have been reported to possess hypoglycemic properties but the mechanism is not yet known. This study investigated the effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Vernonia amygdalina on the amylin and insulin levels of diabetic rats. The rats were induced with 5% alloxan solution at a single subcutaneous dose of 150mg/kg body weight. The glucose level of the diabetic rats significantly increased (p < 0.05) to the range of 260 – 275mg/dl following alloxan injection. Treatment of the diabetic rats with aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Vernonia amygdalina resulted in significant reduction (p < 0.05) of the glucose levels. There were statistically significant (p < 0.05) increase in the amylin and insulin levels of diabetic rats treated with both extracts as compared to the diabetic untreated rats.  The results showed that Vernonia amygdalina extracts possess hypoglycemic effect by enhancing the secretion of amylin and insulin from the pancreas.