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Plasma glucose in Telfairia occidentalis treated rats

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Williams Adisa at Ambrose Alli University
Williams Adisa
H.O. Otamere at Ambrose Alli University
H.O. Otamere
Uyinmwen Charity Osifo at Ambrose Alli University
Uyinmwen Charity Osifo
A P Ediangbe
A P Ediangbe
A P Ediangbe
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Telfairia occidentalis is a green vegetable popularly consumed among the native of Africa and it's generally believed to be of medicinal value. In this study, a total of 14 adult rats weighing between 150 to 200g were procured and divided into two groups A and B. Group A (control) was fed with normal rat diet (standard chow), while group B (test) was fed with Telfairia occidentalis diet (a mixture of normal feed plus 13% by weight Telfairia occidentalis leaves) for a period of 30 days. The result showed a statistical significant increase (p<0.05) in the plasma glucose level of the test group compared to the control. This study suggests therefore that Telfairia occidentalis increases the plasma level of glucose and would not be fit for consumption by diabetic patients.
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Pelagia Research Library
Advances in Applied Science Research, 2012, 3 (3):1551-1553
ISSN: 0976-8610
CODEN (USA): AASRFC
1551
Pelagia Research Library
Plasma glucose in Telfairia occidentalis treated rats
W. A. Adisa
1
, H. O. Otamere
1
, C. U. Osifo
1
, A. P. Ediangbe
2
,
P. A. Ogarah
1
and T. O. Aigbogun
1
1
Department of Physiology, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria
2
Department of Medical Laboratory Science (Chemical Pathology Unit), College of Medicine, Ambrose
Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria
______________________________________________________________________________
ABSTRACT
Telfairia occidentalis is a green vegetable popularly consumed among the native of Africa and it’s generally
believed to be of medicinal value. In this study, a total of 14 adult rats weighing between 150 to 200g were procured
and divided into two groups A and B. Group A (control) was fed with normal rat diet (standard chow), while group
B (test) was fed with Telfairia occidentalis diet (a mixture of normal feed plus 13% by weight Telfairia occidentalis
leaves) for a period of 30 days. The result showed a statistical significant increase (p<0.05) in the plasma glucose
level of the test group compared to the control. This study suggests therefore that Telfairia occidentalis increases
the plasma level of glucose and would not be fit for consumption by diabetic patients.
Keywords: Telfairia occidentalis, rats, hyperglycaemia, blood glucose.
______________________________________________________________________________
INTRODUCTION
Tefairia occidentalis is tropical vine grown in West Africa as a leaf vegetable and for its edible seeds. Telfairia
occidentalis contains nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fibres [1]. It also contains
oxalates, saponin, glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids and resins [2]; [3]. Aqueous extract of this plant is reported to
increase haematological parameters [4]. Similarly it has been shown to be hepaprotective against garlic induced
oxidative stress [5] while its ethanolic extract have demonstrated hypoglycaemic properties both in normoglycaemic
and alloxan-induced diabetic rat [6]. Freshly prepared Telfairia occidentalis mixture containing Telfairia
occidentalis fluid, raw content of egg and peak evaporated unsweetened milk administered orally is a popular
haematinic regimen used to combat anaemia in pregnant women in mission hospital in Nigeria [7]. The root and
leaves have been shown to contain high toxic alkaloids and saponins [3]. In folkloric medicine, the fresh leaves are
used in the treatment of anaemia, sudden attack of malaria and convulsion [8];[4]. In view of the medicinal potential
of Telfairia occidentalis, this study therefore is aimed at investigating the effect of Telfairia occidentalis on plasma
glucose in rats.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Plant material: Fresh leaves of Telfaria occidentalis were obtained from Ekpoma main market after which the leaves
were taken to the herbarium unit of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma for identification and authentication. The
leaves were sun dried, grounded; and then mixed with standard chow in such a way that the mixture is composed of
13% by weight of the leaves.
Experimental Animals: A total of 14 male rats weighing between 150 to 200 g were used for this study. The rats
were divided into two groups; control and test groups housed in cages at room temperature (23
o
-27
o
C) and left in the
animal house for two weeks prior to the commencement of the study. This was done to enable the animals get
adjusted to their new environment. The control group was fed with rat feeds while the test group was fed with rat
feeds mixed with Telfaria occidentalis for 30 days. Fresh water was made available to the two groups ad libitum.
W. A. Adisa
et al Adv. Appl. Sci. Res., 2012, 3(3):1551-1553
_____________________________________________________________________________
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Pelagia Research Library
Blood sample collection/plasma glucose test: The blood collection was done through the tails of the animals at
weekly intervals from the two groups of rats. The collected blood samples were kept in heparinised tubes to prevent
blood clotting while the fasting blood glucose level test were carried out using the One Touch Glucometer (Lifescan,
U.S.A.) as described by [9].
Statistical analysis: Results were expressed as mean ± S.D. The significance of difference between means were
determined by the students t-test and results were regarded as significant at p<0.05.
RESULTS
The result is as soon in table 1and figure 1; the plasma glucose level is measured in mg/dl. From the table it is
shown that there is increase in plasma glucose level in the test group compared to the control for each of the four
weeks in consideration. However the increment observed in week 2 were not statistically significant (p<0.05), but
for week 1, week 3 and week 4; there were statistical significant increase (p<0.05) in the plasma glucose levels of
the test group compared to the control.
Table 1: Effect of Telfaria occidetalis on plasma glucose in rats (n = 14)
Control Test
Week 1 80±2.13 96±4.31*
Week 2 77±3.65 85.5±2.50
Week 3 81±1.39 101±3.22*
Week 4 78 ±2.82 92±4.61*
*: p<0.05
.
Figure 1. Showing effect of Telfaria occidetalis on plasma glucose in rats
DISCUSSION
The findings of this study is contrary to the reports of other researchers; Emudianughe and [10] reported that
Telfairia occidentalis aqueous leave extract produce a gradual but significant reduction in blood glucose in
streptozotocin treated hyperglycaemic rats and presumed its mechanism of action to be similar to that of beguanides
and metformin. [9], reported a significant reduction in blood glucose following simultaneous administration of
glucose with the ethanolic leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis.
It is important to note that the disparity of our findings from other researchers finding may be attributed to the
difference in methodology and in the preparation of the plant material used in this study. This study did not
investigate the mechanisms of action involved as regards the activities of Telfairia occidentalis on plasma glucose.
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Control
Test
W. A. Adisa
et al Adv. Appl. Sci. Res., 2012, 3(3):1551-1553
_____________________________________________________________________________
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Pelagia Research Library
However, it is suggested that hyperglycaemic effect of Telfairia occidentalis reported in this study may be due to its
ability to either promote glucogenesis or gluconeogenesis.
In conclusion, the findings of this study does not suggest that Telfairia occidentalis leaves reduces plasma glucose
level.
REFERENCES
[1] Fasuyi, A.O., 2006. Afr. J. Biotechnol., 5: 49-53.
[2] Tindal, H.D., 1968. Commercial Vegetable Growing. Oxford Press, London, pp: 69.
[3] Akubue P.L., 1980. Planta Med., 38: 339-343.
[4]Alada, A.R.A., 2000. Afr. J. Biomed.Res., 3: 185-186.
[5] Olorunfemi A. E., Arnold C. I., Emmanuel O., Nkaima, N., Akeem A., 2005: J . Pharm. Biores., 2: 36-42.
[6] Nwozo S.O., Adaramoye O.A., Ajaiyeoba E.O., 2004. Niger. J. Nat. Prod. Med., 8: 45-47.
[7] Olaniyan M.F., Adeleke A., 2005. Afr. J. Trad. Cam., 3:269-273.
[8] Gbile, Z.O., 1986. Ethnobotany, Taxonomy and Conservation of Medicinal plant. In: Sofowora, A.O. (Ed.), The
State of Medicinal Plant Research in Nigeria. pp: 19.
[9] Olorunfemi Eseyin, Patrick Ebong, Eyong Eyong, Oladoja Awofisayo and Akeem Agboke, 2010. African
Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 4(6): 368-372.
[10] Emudianughe T.S., and Aderibigbe A.O., 2002. West Afri. J. Pharmacol. Drug Res., 18 (1 & 2): 14-16.
... Its blood glucose-lowering effect was reported in rats (Eseyin et al., 2010; Salman et al., 2008; Nwozo, 2004; Emudianughe and Aderibigbe, 2002; Eseyin et al., 2000) and mice (Aderibigbe et al., 1999). More recently, it was also reported to cause an increase in blood glucose in normal (Adisa et al., 2012) and diabetic rats (Eseyin et al., 2005c). In addition to these conflicting reports, the mechanism(s) for either its hypo-or hyperglycemic effect remains unclear. ...
... While the actions of insulin and LDH could lead to accumulation of lactate, the increased cortisol level could stimulate lactate gluconeogenesis by increasing the synthesis and activity of gluconeogenic enzymes. Therefore, the hyperglycemia reported by Adisa et al. (2012) after thirty days of treatment with TO could be as a result of gluconeogenesis and/or glycogenolysis response to the reduction in blood glucose caused earlier during the treatment. In other words, the hyperglycemia was probably secondary to hypoglycemia. ...
... Another limitation of this study which could be accommodated in future studies is the short period of the experiment, which could not allow us to establish if hyperglycemia might later occur beyond 2 weeks. This might justify the hyperglycemia earlier reported following treatment of rats with TO for 30 days (Adisa et al., 2012). In conclusion, the present study has shown that the blood glucose-lowering effect of TO could be insulin-dependent and the counterregulatory responses included an increase in cortisol and LDH activity to probably stimulate cortisolinduced gluconeogenesis and favor lactate oxidation. ...
Blood glucose-lowering effect of Telfairia Occidentalis: A preliminary study on the underlying mechanism and responses
Article
Full-text available
  • Dec 2012
The effects of aqueous extract of Telfairia Occidentalis leaf (TO) on plasma glucose, lactate dehydrogenase activity (LDH), insulin and cortisol levels in rats were investigated. Thirty male Wistar rats (200−250g) were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=6/group). Rats in the control group received 0.2 ml of normal saline while rats in other groups were orally treated with 100 or 200 mg/Kg of the extract for either 1 or 2 weeks. The results showed that there were significant increases in insulin and cortisol levels, decrease in glucose, and an insignificant increase in LDH activity in rats treated with 100 and 200 mg/Kg of the extract for 1 week. However, after 2 weeks of treatment with the same doses, there was no significant change in plasma insulin in the treated rats when compared with the control. In contrast, there was a significant decrease in plasma insulin levels when compared with what was obtained after one week of treatment. The reduction in plasma insulin was accompanied by increases in plasma glucose towards normal and significant increases in plasma cortisol and LDH activity. The results suggest that the blood glucose-lowering effect of Telfairia Occidentalis might be mediated at least in part by insulin. This effect elicited counterregulatory responses that included an increase in plasma cortisol and lactate dehydrogenase activity to probably stimulate cortisol-induced gluconeogenesis and favor lactate oxidation.
View
... For instance, its hypoglycaemic effect and use for the treatment of blood glucose disorders such as diabetes mellitus have been well-reported [6e10]. Contrarily, a few studies also reported its hyperglycaemic effect [11,12]. However, despite the numerous studies on the glucoregulatory effects of TO, the hypoglycaemic and/or hyperglycaemic mechanism(s) of TO have not been well-investigated. ...
... Thus, we concluded that the TO-induced lowering of blood glucose might be mediated through an increase in plasma insulin [13]. The results also showed that TO actually produced hypoglycaemic effect and that the hyperglycaemia seen after prolonged treatment for two weeks [13] or more [11] was probably due to counter-regulation as evidenced by the increased plasma cortisol concentration and LDH activity. ...
Counter-regulatory responses to Telfairia occidentalis-induced hypoglycaemia
Article
Full-text available
  • Dec 2020
Background Telfairia occidentalis (TO) has many biological activities including blood glucose regulation. Thus, it is being used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. TO has been shown to cause insulin-mediated hypoglycaemia, which leads to post-hypoglycaemic hyperglycaemia. However, the mechanism involved in the post-hypoglycaemic hyperglycaemia is still poorly understood. Objective This research was designed to determine the response of glucoregulatory hormones and enzymes to TO treatment. Methods Thirty-five male Wistar rats were divided into seven oral treatment groups (n = 5/group), which received either of 100 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg TO for 7-, 10- or 14 days. Results The 7-day treatment with TO significantly increased the levels of insulin, glucagon, and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) activity but decreased the levels of glucose, adrenaline, and glucokinase (GCK) activity. The 10-day treatment with 100 mg/kg TO increased glucose and decreased GCK activity while 200 mg/kg for the same duration increased glucose, insulin, GCK and G6Pase activities but reduced glucagon. The 14-day treatment with 100 mg/kg TO decreased glucose and glucagon but increased cortisol, while 200 mg/kg TO for same duration increased insulin, but reduced glucagon and GCK activity. Conclusion The TO’s post-hypoglycaemic hyperglycaemia results from increased glucagon and G6Pase activity, and reduced GCK activity. Moreover, the glucagon response mainly depends on glucose rather than insulin.
View
... Until recently, the effects of T. occidentalis on blood glucose has been controversial with some studies reporting a reduction (Aderibigbe et al., 1999;Eseyin et al., 2000;Emudianughe and Aderibigbe, 2002;Nwozo et al., 2004;Salman et al., 2008;Eseyin et al., 2010;Eseyin et al., 2014) while others reported an increase in blood glucose (Adisa et al., 2012) following short-term and long-term treatment respectively. Salman et al. (2013) recently reported a decrease in blood glucose after one week of treatment with T. occidentalis and an increase in blood glucose after two weeks of treatment. ...
... The present study showed that Telfairia occidentalis caused significant reduction in plasma glucose levels after one week of treatment and significant increase after two weeks of treatment. These findings are consistent with the previously reported hypoglycaemic (Emudianughe and Aderibigbe, 2002;Nwozo et al., 2004;Salman et al., 2008;Eseyin et al., 2010;Salman et al., 2013) and hyperglycaemic effects (Adisa et al., 2012;Salman et al., 2013) of T. occidentalis. ...
Effects of Telfairia Occidentalis Leaf Extract on Plasma Lactate and Liver Glycogen in Rats
Article
Full-text available
  • Dec 2018
  • Niger J Physiol Sci
Telfairia occidentalis is a green vegetable popularly consumed among the native of Africa and it is generallybelieved to be of medicinal and nutritional value. Studies have reported its hypoglycaemic and hyperglycaemic effects inrats. In addition to these conflicting reports, the mechanisms for its effects on blood glucose remain inconclusive. Theobjective of this study was to investigate the mechanism involved in the increased blood glucose following treatment withT. occidentalis. Twenty five (25) male albino rats (200-250g) were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=5/group). Rats in thecontrol group received normal saline while rats in other groups were orally treated with 100 or 200 mg/kg body weight ofthe extract for either 1 or 2 weeks. At the end of the treatment, the rats were anaesthetized and blood samples were collectedfor the estimation of some biochemical parameters. The results showed significant decreases in plasma glucose after 1 weekof treatment with 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg. However, after 2 weeks of treatment with both doses, plasma glucose levelsincreased significantly and were higher than those of the control and the rats treated for 1 week with both doses. There werealso dose- and duration-dependent decreases in glycogen concentration in the treated rats, especially those treated for twoweeks. Glucose-6-phosphatase activity and liver glycogen concentration were lower in rats treated for 2 weeks whencompared with those treated for 1 week with both doses. Moreover, plasma lactate concentration was lower in the treatedgroups when compared with control. The results suggest that Telfairia occidentalis-induced lowering of plasma glucose afterone week of treatment probably favoured lactate oxidation/gluconeogenesis and elicited breakdown of liver glycogen whichresulted in increased plasma glucose after two weeks of treatment.
View
... The study of edible plants might therefore constitute a more affordable mean for prevention or treatment. Telfairia occidentalis Hook F (family Curcubitaceae) is an herbaceous creeping plant cultivated for its edible seeds and leaves [6]. Depending on the age, ecologic conditions and cultural practices, its leaves composition can vary [7]. ...
... It could also be substantiated by the capacity of the extract to inhibit α-amylase activity and to slower blood glucose absorption, thereby improving glucose tolerance and post prandial glycemia. It is contrary to findings obtained by other researchers [6] who reported that T. occidentalis leaves significantly increased blood glucose level in rats. It might be attributed to difference in plant material preparation and treatment of animals. ...
Antiamylase Potential of Telfairia occidentalis Leaves from Cameroon and Effect of Their Dietary Supplementation on Fasting Blood Glucose in Wistar Rats
Article
Full-text available
  • Jan 2015
The study of edible plants, especially in developing countries, might provide more affordable means for the management of diabetes. Telfairia occidentalis is one of the plants whose leaves are commonly consumed in Cameroon. This work hereby studied the antiamylasic potential of its aqueous leaves extract and the effect of its dietary supplementation on fasting blood glucose in Wistar rats. An aqueous extract (1:6) was prepared from shed-dried T. occidentalis leaves by ma-ceration. Its antiamylase activity was evaluated in vitro and a phytochemical screening was realized. Its acute toxicity and its effect on an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were evaluated in rats. The effect of T. occidentalis leaves dietary supplementation (10%) on fasting blood glucose was studied for 28 days in rats fed with carbohydrate enriched diet, using Glibenclamide (0.3 mg/kg body weight) as reference hypoglycemic drug. Results showed that there was total inhibition of α-amylase activity in vitro by T. occidentalis aqueous leaves extract at 0.075 mg/ml. The presence of tannins, flavonoids and anthocyanins was revealed by the phytochemical screening. No sign of toxicity was observed in rats after an oral administration of the extract at 2000 mg/kg body weight. The extract significantly hindered a rise in blood glucose at 400 mg/kg body weight during an oral glucose tolerance test. Dietary supplementation with T. occidentalis leaves caused a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in fasting blood glucose as compared to the positive control. Telfai-ria occidentalis leaves and their aqueous extract could be used in the management of hyperglyce-mia and diabetes.
View
... Recent study has also shown that rats fed on a diet of Telfairia occidentalis leaves for 30days showed statistical significant increase (p<0.05) in the plasma glucose level compared to those fed on normal diet, and would not be fit for consumption by diabetic patients (Adisa et al., 2012). Terminalia Catappa L Terminalia catappa L. (Combretaceae) is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes in Africa. ...
Herbal medicinal plants used in the treatment of diabetes in Africa
Article
Full-text available
  • Mar 2013
Diabetes mellitus, a metabolic disorder of the pancreas in which the blood glucose levels are abnormally high (hyperglycaemia), is a growing threat to public health in modern society. The number of people suffering from diabetes is increasing due to urbanization, population growth, aging and increasing prevalence of obesity and physical inactivity. While some Non Insulin Dependent Diabetic Mellitus (NIDDM) patients can be managed by diet alone, others require hypoglycaemic therapy and/or insulin. Although insulin therapy affords an effective glycaemic control, drawbacks such as oral ineffectiveness, short shelf life, requirement of constant refrigeration, parenteral therapy with its attendant abscesses and fatal hypoglycaemia in the event of excess dosage has limited its usage. On the other hand, pharmacotherapy with sulphonylureas, biguanides and thiazolidones is also associated with side effects. In recent years, the popularity of complementary medicine has increased considerably and the WHO has suggested the evaluation of the potentials of plants as effective therapeutic agents, especially in areas where the modern drugs are not readily available. Due to their relative safety and low costs, herbal medicinal plants are prescribed for the treatment and prevention of a variety of diseases. These medicinal plants are used in their crude forms as herbal teas, syrups, infusions, ointments, liniments and powders. There are many herbs available having antidiabetic activity and they have been shown to act by different mechanisms. Some have been shown to have stimulating or regenerating effects on β cell or possess extra pancreatic effect for hypoglycemic activity. This article examines some of the herbal medicinal plants that have been used in the folkloric treatment of diabetes in Africa and the experimental evidences to support the antidiabetic properties.
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Investigation of the Phytochemical Contents and Antimicrobial Effects of Telfairia Occidentalison Microorganisms
Article
Full-text available
  • Oct 2021
The rise in several deadly diseases like infections by multidrug-resistant bacteria implies re-inventing the wheel on drug discovery. Perhaps, extensive research has been dedicated to identifying alternatives to mitigating the effects of antibiotics resistance. Over the years, plants have contributed significantly to traditional medicine, proven effective in human health care, and were extensively used as alternative antibiotics in certain conditions. Thus, the current studys primary purpose is to determine the phytochemical contents and the antimicrobial activity of T. occidentalison microorganisms, including Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. The result of the phytochemical analysis conducted on the leaf and seed of T. occidentalisrevealed alkaloids, tannin, steroids, flavonoids, phenol, and saponins. However, it was found that tannins and phenol were mainly deposited in the plants seed. Also, the antimicrobial analysis conducted revealed that S. aureus was more vulnerable to the ethanol, acetone, and hot aqueous extracts of T. occidentalis. At the same time, P. aeruginosa and C. Albicans showed sensitivity to ethanol and acetone exposure but failed to react to the hot aqueous extracts. The study concludes that the observed biological reactions shown by the aqueous extracts of T. occidentaliscorroborate the traditional application of this plant as an alternative antibiotic.
View
  • Jan 2006
  • AFR J BIOTECHNOL
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Commercial Vegetable Growing
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Eyong Eyong, Oladoja Awofisayo and Akeem Agboke
  • Jan 2010
  • AFR J PHARM PHARMACO
  • 368-372
  • Olorunfemi Eseyin
  • Patrick Ebong
Olorunfemi Eseyin, Patrick Ebong, Eyong Eyong, Oladoja Awofisayo and Akeem Agboke, 2010. African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 4(6): 368-372.