Thaumatococcus daniellii Extract Modulates Glibenclamide Activity and Ameliorates Heamatological Disorders, Oxidative Stress and Dyslipidemia Associated with Diabetes Mellitus in Rats

Aims: Native practices in poor regions of Africa takes local herbs with orthodox medicine for treatment of diabetes. This study investigates the roles of Thaumatococcus daniellii methanol leaves extract in combination with Glibenclamide. Study Design: 35 male Wistar rats averagely weighing 150 g treated for 15 days, were randomly selected into seven groups; A (Control), B (Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats), C (Diabetic rats administered 100 mg/kg/day body weight of extract), D (Diabetic rats administered therapeutic dose of Glibenclamide), E (Diabetic rats treated with therapeutic dose of Glibenclamide and 100 mg/kg/day bodyweight of extract), F (Extract only) and G (Glibenclamide only). Methodology: Haematological, lipid profile and antioxidant parameters were evaluated using international standardized methods. Results: Results showed that Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (group B) elicits significant (P=.05) increases in haematological parameters such as fasting blood glucose level, white blood cell counts, lymphocytes and platelets with corresponding decreases in red blood cell counts and serum protein while it also exhibits significant (P=.05) increases in serum total cholesterol, triglycerides and a significant (P=.05) decrease in high density lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol with corresponding decreases in liver reduced glutathione level, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities as well as elevated levels of malondialdehyde. However, extract and Glibenclamide showed anti-diabetic effects as levels and activities of these markers were restored nearly to controls in groups C, D and E with significant effects exhibited by group C and in the order C>D=E. Conclusion: Results are suggestive of the anti-diabetic and modulatory effects of the extract on Glibenclamide activity and its use could be encouraged.