IGBONAJU IFUNANYA SANDRA

This study investigates the renoprotective potential of the dichloromethane (DCM) fraction of Garcinia kola (GL) stem bark in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder often associated with severe complications, including diabetic nephropathy, which remains a leading cause of kidney failure. The search for plant-based therapeutic agents with minimal side effects has intensified, particularly in traditional medicinal systems where Garcinia kola is widely utilized. In this experiment, diabetes was induced in Wistar rats using streptozotocin (STZ), after which the animals were treated with varying doses of the DCM fraction of GL stem bark. Biochemical parameters including serum creatinine, urea, electrolyte levels, and blood glucose were evaluated, alongside histopathological examination of kidney tissues. Oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzyme activities were also assessed to determine the mechanism of action. The results demonstrated that treatment with the DCM fraction significantly reduced elevated blood glucose levels and improved renal function indices compared to untreated diabetic controls. There was also a marked decrease in oxidative stress markers, accompanied by enhanced antioxidant defense systems. Histological findings revealed preservation of kidney architecture in treated groups, indicating protection against STZ-induced renal damage. In conclusion, the DCM fraction of Garcinia kola stem bark exhibits significant renoprotective effects in diabetic Wistar rats, likely mediated through its antihyperglycemic and antioxidant properties. These findings suggest its potential as a complementary therapeutic agent in the management of diabetic nephropathy, warranting further investigation into its active constituents and clinical applicability.

Persistent hyperglycemia is a symptom of diabetes mellitus, a metabolic or hormonal disorder caused by problems with insulin secretion. Type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 (T2DM) diabetes mellitus are the two kinds of the disease. T1DM is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), and it is brought on by a problem with insulin synthesis. T2DM, however, is often referred to as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus since it is linked to cells' inability to respond to insulin (insulin resistance) (NIDDM). All across the world, diabetes is becoming more common. According to estimates, 415 million adults had diabetes in 2015, and by 2040, 642 million persons were expected to have the disease (Rahelic, 2016). More than 70% of people with T2DM reside in developing nations, and this number is rising yearly. There are several pharmacological antidiabetic medicines on the market, but the rise in the prevalence of T2DM, particularly in poor nations, together with the side effects linked to these drugs, has brought attention to the need for more efficient, safer, and affordable management techniques. Over the past ten years, there has been a sharp rise in the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) worldwide for the treatment of conditions including diabetes. According to reports, up to 72.8% of diabetics took herbal remedies. food supplements and other CAM treatments (Chang et al., 2007). Additionally, data shows that the majority of patients who use CAM therapies do so in addition to traditional therapy rather
than in place of it (Kiran et al., 2012). There are many medicinal plants that are thought to have antidiabetic effects and have been used to treat diabetes (Ghorbani, 2014). Due to one or more of their phytochemical qualities, many of the plants found in Nigeria are known for their medicinal properties. (Okwu, 2003). These plants frequently display a variety of biological and pharmaceutical qualities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antifungal, etc (Ekeke et al, 2003). Despite the availability of contemporary medicine formulations, many ailments are treated with extracts from plant roots and bark (Sarkar, 2015). The mainstay of medical care has always been and will continue to be natural products.