Abstract
BACKGROUND: The leaves of Hagenia abyssinica (Rosaceae) have been used traditionally for the management of diabetes mellitus. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic and anti-hyperlipidemic activity of Hagenia abyssinica leaves crude extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. METHODS: Antidiabetic and anti-hyperlipidemic activity of the crude extract of Hagenia abyssinica was studied in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. The effects of the extract on fasting blood glucose level, body weight, and serum lipid profiles were analyzed. One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test was used for data analysis and p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: Hagenia abyssinica leaves crude extract showed significant (p<0.05-p<0.001) blood-glucose-lowering activity. Moreover, the crude extract of H. abyssinica reduced the fasting blood glucose level by 23.21%, 38.20%, 43.53%, and 58.99%, respectively, for CE100, CE 200, CE 400, and GLC 5 mg/kg on the 14th day of treatment. After diabetic mice were treated with H. abyssinica (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) for 14 days, there was a significant decrease in serum total cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and serum triglyceride and a significant increase in body weight, and HDL-cholesterol level as compared to diabetic control. CONCLUSION: The present findings revealed that H. abyssinica leaves could be useful for the management of diabetes mellitus and other abnormalities related to this metabolic disorder. Thus, the present study may support the traditional use of H. abyssinica for diabetes mellitus treatment.