Evaluation of hexane extract of Chlorophytum alismifolium on hyperglycaemia and neuropathic pain in high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats

Diabetes mellitus is an intricate metabolic disorder of the endocrine system associated with complications that result in morbidity and mortality. This study was carried out to establish the antihyperglycaemic profile and the effect of hexane extract of Chlorophytum alismifolium (HECA) on diabetic neuropathy in high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced hyperglycaemic Wistar rats.

C. alismifolium tubers were extracted with n-hexane using a soxhlet apparatus. The LD50 was determined using the OECD 425 guideline. The animals were served high fat diet for 6 weeks and then administered 40 mg/kg of streptozotocin to induce diabetes. Experimental groups were set up using normal rats in group I and hyperglycaemic rats in 5 groups of 5 rats each. Group I and II were the normal and hyperglycaemic controls given distilled water (1 mL/kg); groups III, IV and V were given categorized doses of HECA (150, 300 and 600 mg/kg) respectively. Group VI received pioglitazone (20 mg/kg). Fasting glycaemic level was evaluated and diabetic neuropathy was investigated using thermal and mechanical methods.

Phytochemical screening showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids and triterpenes while the oral median toxic dose was estimated to be >5000 mg/kg. Administration of HECA at all doses evidently (p < 0.05) reduced the glycaemic level relative to the hyperglycaemic group and over time. Treatment with HECA also remarkably (p < 0.05) lowered the withdrawal times in both thermal and mechanical hyperalgesic methods of diabetic neuropathy compared to the hyperglycaemic control.

The findings revealed that the hexane extract of Chlorophytum alismifolium has beneficial effects and can be applied in the management of diabetes and some of its complications.