Short-term Antihyperglycemic and Weight Modulation Effects of <i>Leuenbergeria bleo</i> (Kunth) Lodé: Phytochemical Screening and in vivo Assessment in an Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rat Model

Abstract

Background: Leuenbergeria bleo, a medicinal plant with traditional therapeutic uses, has attracted interest for its antidiabetic potential. Objectives: This study evaluated the antihyperglycemic effects of its leaf extracts in an alloxan-induced diabetic rat model. Methods: The leaves of L. bleo were sequentially extracted using petroleum ether, chloroform, and methanol. Phytochemical screening was conducted to identify bioactive compounds such as phytosterols, alkaloids, tannins, and flavonoids. Thirty healthy Albino Wistar rats were divided into five groups. Diabetes was induced in four groups via intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate (140 mg/kg). The diabetic rats were treated with either chloroform or methanol extracts of L. bleo (500 mg/kg/day) for five days, with metformin (100 mg/kg/day) serving as the standard reference treatment. Blood glucose levels were monitored daily, and body weight was recorded on days 1, 3, and 5. Results: Methanol extract significantly reduced blood glucose levels by 12.23% by day 5, compared to a 6.35% reduction with chloroform extract. Additionally, the methanol extracts mitigated weight loss, resulting in an 8.07% increase in body weight, while the diabetic control group experienced a 26.72% decrease. The effects of the methanol extract were comparable to metformin, though slightly less potent. Leuenbergeria bleo exhibits modest antihyperglycemic potential, particularly in its methanol extract, which also stabilizes body weight in diabetic rats. Conclusions: The presence of flavonoids and alkaloids likely contributes to these effects. Further research is warranted to elucidate the exact mechanisms and explore L. bleo’s potential as a natural alternative therapy for diabetes management.