Effect of Solanum macrocarpon Linn leaf aqueous extract on the brain of an alloxan-induced rat model of diabetes

Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of aqueous extract of Solanum macrocarpon Linn leaf in the brain of an alloxan-induced rat model of diabetes.

Methods: The experimental model of diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of freshly prepared alloxan. Rats were then divided into six groups: normal control, diabetes control, diabetes group treated with metformin, and three diabetes groups treated with different concentrations of S. macrocarpon. Rats were sacrificed on day 14 of the experiment and different brain biochemical parameters were assessed and compared between groups.

Results: Administration of different doses of S. macrocarpon leaf aqueous extract was associated with significantly reduced levels of fasting blood glucose, lipid peroxidation, neurotransmitters, cholinesterases, cyclooxygenase-2 and nitric oxide compared with diabetes control rats. In addition, antioxidant enzyme activities were significantly increased in diabetes rats administered 12.45, 24.9 and 49.8 mg/kg body weight of S. macrocarpon versus diabetes control rats.

Conclusion: Aqueous extract of S. macrocarpon Linn leaf may be useful in the management of diabetic neuropathy.

Keywords: Solanum macrocarpon; cholinesterases; lipid peroxidation; neuropathy; neurotransmitters.