PICRALIMA NITIDA

Diabetes mellitus is intrinsically linked to a pro-thrombotic state, significantly increasing the risk of cardiovascular events such as stroke and myocardial infarction. This study investigated the potential anticoagulant activity of the aqueous extract of Picralima nitida using the Partial Thromboplastin Time with Kaolin (PTTK) assay in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Rats were categorized into the Diabetic Control (G1, 21.50±0.50 s) and three treatment groups receiving 200 mg/kg b.w. (G5), 400 mg/kg b.w. (G3), and 500 mg/kg b.w. (G6) of the extract. PTTK values were measured and expressed as Mean ± Standard Error of the Mean (SEM). Data were analyzed using One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan’s Post Hoc Test, with significance accepted at P<0.05. Treatment with P. nitida resulted in a significant prolongation of PTTK compared to the diabetic control. The maximum anticoagulant effect was observed in the Mid-High dose (400 mg/kg b.w.) group (G3), which recorded the highest mean PTTK of 23.00±3.00 seconds. A non-linear dose-response was identified, as the highest dose (500 mg/kg b.w., G6) yielded 21.50±0.50 seconds, matching the diabetic control and demonstrating reduced efficacy compared to the mid-high dose. These findings confirm that the aqueous extract of Picralima nitida possesses significant anticoagulant potential by modulating
the intrinsic coagulation pathway. The optimal therapeutic window was identified at 400 mg/kg b.w., supporting the extract’s potential as a natural antithrombotic agent to mitigate cardiovascular complications in diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by impaired insulin secretion, insulin
action, or both, leading to chronic hyperglycaemia and associated complications. The search for plant-based alternatives with antidiabetic potential has gained attention due to the limitations and side effects of conventional therapies. This study investigated the effects of aqueous extract of Picralima nitida fruit on serum insulin levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Wistar rats. Diabetes was induced using streptozotocin, and animals were allocated into five groups: normal control, diabetic control, glibenclamide-treated, low-dose extract, and high-dose extract groups. Serum insulin concentration was quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results showed that induction of diabetes led to alterations in insulin secretion, with the diabetic control group exhibiting elevated insulin levels compared to the normal control group, suggesting partial β-cell dysfunction with compensatory responses. Glibenclamide treatment produced decreased insulin levels relative to the diabetic control, likely due to the extent of β-cell destruction. The low-dose extract produced insulin levels comparable to glibenclamide, indicating mild insulin-modulating activity. Notably, the high-dose extract produced the highest insulin concentration among all groups, suggesting a dose-dependent stimulatory effect of P. nitida on pancreatic function. Obseved from the results, the extract, particularly at higher doses,may enhance insulin secretion or protect surviving β-cells. In conclusion, the aqueous fruit extract of Picralima nitida demonstrates potential insulin- modulating activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. These findings support the possible use of P. nitida as a complementary therapeutic agent for diabetes management. Further studies with larger sample sizes and pancreatic histological evaluations are recommended to better elucidate its mechanism of action.