Aqueous extract of Combretum molle boughs ameliorates hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidemia in sucrose-induced insulin resistant rats

Introduction: Combretum molle R.B/G.Don (Combretaceae) is distributed especially in tropical Africa and used in treatment various diseases including diabetes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of aqueous extract from C. molle boughs (CMAE) on hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in insulin resistant rats. Methods: Animals were divided into ۵ groups and treated for ۳۰ days. Control group received distilled water, sucrose group received ۳۰% sucrose, standard group received ۳۰% sucrose plus metformin (۴۰ mg/kg), and others groups received ۳۰% sucrose plus CMAE (۲۵۰ and ۵۰۰ mg/kg). Body weight, food and water intake were evaluated each ۱۰ days for ۳۰ days. Glucose tolerance test was performed on the ۳۰th day of the experiment. Later on, animals were sacrificed and blood was collected for the determination of the concentration of glucose, lipids and insulin. Results: The body weight and food intake of the rats receiving ۵۰۰ mg/kg of extract decreased significantly on the ۳۰th day of the experiment. CMAE caused a significant reduction of insulin, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels compared to the sucrose lot. However, the extract (۲۵۰ and ۵۰۰ mg/kg) showed a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. CMAE induced a significant decrease in postprandial glycaemia. Conclusion: CMAE improved postprandial hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in insulin resistant rats.Consequently, CMAE may be able to delay onset of insulin resistance, and reduce the risks and complications of type ۲ diabetes.