Hypoglycemic and Hepatorenal Effect of Ocimium gratissimium in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes Mellitus is a disease of public health concern which is caused by pancreatic defect in insulin secretion or failure of the receptor cells to effectively utilize secreted insulin. Diabetes account for 2-3% death in the poorest countries hence the need for alternative control measure. This stud evaluated the hypoglycemic and hepatorenal effect of Ocimium gratissimium and glibenclamide in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Twenty- four rats were randomly divided into 6 groups of 4 animals in each group (1,2,3,4,5 & 6), groups 2,3,4,5 & 6 were induced diabetes intraperitoneally with 150 mg\kg alloxan (Sigma Ltd), diabetes was confirmed by fasting blood glucose of >10.0mmol/L. Groups 3,4,5 & 6 were subsequently treated with 400 mg/kg of extract, 5mg glibenclamide, 800 mg/kg of extract, 400 mg/kg extract combined with 5mg glibenclamide respectively. Blood glucose, hepatic function variables (Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase(ALT), Total bilirubin (TB) and renal parameters Sodium (Na+), Potassium (K+), Urea were analyzed. The result shows an increase in glucose, hepatic and renal parameters in diabetic induced groups which was significantly reduced in a dose dependent manner in the diabetic treated groups, the high dose of the extract (800mg/kg) was more effective in blood glucose reduction than the standard antidiabetic drug, (5mg glibenclamide). However, 5mg glibenclamide was found to be more effective in blood glucose reduction than the low dose (400mg/kg) extract, the combination of 5mg glibenclamide and 400mg/kg was found to be more effective in blood glucose reduction than the low dose extract. A significant increase was observed in the Total bilirubin and urea parameters of the high dose (800mg/kg) of the extract treated groups and in the combined group (400 mg/kg+5 mg glibenclamide). When compared to the low dose extract group(400mg/kg). Low dose ocimium gratissimium potentiates 5mg glibenclamide in blood glucose reduction. Ocimium gratissimium and glibenclamide decreased blood glucose and ameliorates alloxan induced hepatic and renal damage. The use of the high dose of the extract and the use of the combination of the drug (5mg glibenclamide) and the low dose of the extract in diabetes management may be detrimental to the liver and kidney according to this study.