ANNONA MURICATA

Despite advancements in medical science and the availability of pharmacological interventions, diabetes mellitus remains a significant public health challenge worldwide. The soursop tree (Annona muricata L.), a tropical fruit-bearing plant, have been traditionally used in various cultures for their perceived medicinal properties. Inspite the global prevalence of diabetes mellitus, comprehensive research on the acute and sub-acute impacts of the methanol leaves extract of soursop on blood glucose levels remains scarce. Thus the aim of this experiment was to study the hypoglycemic and anti-diabetic effect of the leaves of Annona muricata on normoglycemic and streptozotocin induced diabetic white rats. The study employs diverse methods, encompassing acute toxicity assessment, normoglycemic blood sugar level evaluation, and anti-diabetic studies conducted on rats. Annona muricata L. (Soursop) extract demonstrated potential hepato-protective properties and exhibited a favorable impact on lipid profiles, notably reducing cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL concentrations. Maintaining stable blood glucose
levels is vital for metabolic equilibrium and overall health. The methanol extract of the leaves of Annona muricata were administered, indicating its safety at doses up to 5000 mg/kg and its ability to reduceblood glucose levels in normoglycemic rats, substantiating its hypoglycemic effects. In diabetic rats, the extract effectively lowered elevated blood glucose levels, similar to the effects of the standard diabetic drug Glibenclamide, suggesting its potential in the management of hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus. These findings highlight the promise of methanol leaves extract of soursop as a natural dietary intervention in diabetes care, offering hope for improved glycemic control and overall well-being.

Annona muricata (soursop) is commonly used in traditional medicine, necessitating toxicological evaluation. This study evaluated the safety profile, phytochemical constituents, and physiological effects of the ethanol leaf extract of A. muricata in adult female Wistar rats after administering doses of 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg for 28 days. Phytochemical screening confirmed a rich composition of carbohydrates, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, phenolics, and steroids/triterpenes, with a notable absence of saponins and cyanogenic glycosides. Hematological analysis demonstrated overall safety of red cell indices, but revealed a reduction in WBC count at 100mg/kg (p<0.05), suggesting immune modulation that was histologically corroborated by lymphoid activation. Biochemically, the extract conferred significant hepatoprotection, evidenced by a marked reduction in AST and ALT at 200mg/kg. In addition, the extract exhibited hypolipidemic effect, with optimal reductions in Total Cholesterol and LDL observed exclusively at 100mg/kg. The primary cautionary finding was a functional elevation of Creatinine at 200mg/kg (p<0.05), though this occurred without structural renal damage.