Evaluation of the antidiabetic properties of Gongronema latifolium leaves extract-loaded solid lipid microparticles Salome A. Chime, Ph.D1,*; Paschal U. Ugwoke, B. Pharm.1; Anthony A. Attama, Prof. of Pharmaceutics 2 1Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy;2 Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria. Context: Gongronema latifolium Benth Hook, (Asclepiadaceae) is a tropical rainforest plant primarily used in traditional folk medicine in the treatment of malaria, diabetes, hypertension, and as laxative. Aim: To study the antidiabetic properties of Gongronema latifolium-loaded solid lipid microparticles (SLMs). Materials and Methods: The methanolic extract of Gongronema latifolium leaves were obtained and formulated into SLMs using lipid matrix comprising of fat from Capra hircus and Phospholipon® 90H. The SLMs were characterised in vitro by determining the particle size and morphology, pH stability studies and encapsulation efficiency EE%. Also the antidiabetic properties of the Gongronema latifolium-loaded SLMs were studied in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Results and discussion: The results show that particle size of G. latifolium-loaded SLMs were within acceptable range for SLMs. Highest EE% of 68 % was obtained for SLMs containing 5 % G. latifolium (batch F3). The formulations remained stable with insignificant pH reduction over time (p < 0.05). Gongronema latifolium-loaded SLMs had mean percentage reduction in blood glucose of 76 % at 2 h, 42.3 % at 8 h and 24.4 % at 12 h, while the group that received the reference-glibenclamide had 82.6, 61.7 and 46.7 % at 2, 8 and 12 h respectively after oral administration of all samples. Gongronema latifolium-loaded SLMs had blood glucose reduction significantly higher than the pure extract and the glibenclamide (p < 0.05) at the concentrations used. Conclusion: Gongronema latifolium-loaded SLMs exhibited good hypoglycemic effect and could be used for the treatment of diabetes.
You must be logged in and own this session in order to post comments.