| dc.description.abstract | Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major global health challenge associated with chronic
hyperglycemia, which arises from systemic failure of insulin secretion, action or both.
Although conventional treatments are available, many have important adverse effects
and are unavailable, especially in developing regions. Hence, there is a critical need for
such therapies to be obtained from natural sources. This study evaluated the
phytochemical composition, antidiabetic efficacy, lipid profile and toxicity effects of
dichloromethane (DCM) leafy extracts of Tragia involucrata Linn (T. involucrata) in
alloxan-induced diabetic Swiss albino mice. T. involucrata is a plant traditionally used
by the Abagusii community of Kenya for management of diabetes and inflammation.
GC-MS profiling revealed the presence of bioactive compounds including phytol, beta
sitosterol, and squalene, known to influence glucose and lipid metabolism through
antioxidant and receptor-mediated pathways. Extract treatment led to significant
glycemic control and improved lipid profiles, marked by reduced total cholesterol,
triglycerides and LDL-C and elevated HDL-C. Acute and subacute toxicity assessments
showed no mortality or behavioral or systemic toxicity across doses up to 2000 mg/kg
bw. Body and organ weight stability, alongside normal biochemical markers, indicated
metabolic tolerance. These results validate the potential of T. involucrata as a viable
plant-based therapeutic agent for the management of diabetes and its associated
dyslipidemia. The results warrant further investigations including clinical trials to
evaluate the therapeutic potential and to identify lead compounds that are crucial for
drug discovery and development. | en_US |
