C.S. Okoye1*, A.A. Attama2, U.E. Osonwa1 and E.M. Uronnachi1
1Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Agulu, Anambra State, Nigeria; 2Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Enugu State, Nigeria
*Corresponding author: chidozieokoye@gmail.com
Chronic hyperglycemia and elevated oxidative stress are characteristics of diabetes mellitus. It is a metabolic condition that frequently causes tissue damage, especially to the liver. This study investigates the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Newbouldia laevis extract and its homeopathic formulations in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced using a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (50 mg/kg body weight). Fifty-five male albino rats were randomly assigned into eleven groups of five. Group 1 served as the normal control, and Group 2 as the diabetic control. Group 3 received glibenclamide (standard drug), while Groups 4–6 were treated with 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg of crude ethanol extract of N. laevis, respectively. Groups 7–11 received homeopathic dilutions [1X (4.5 x 10-3mg), 2X (4.5 x 10-4mg), 3X (4.5 x 10-5mg), 6X (4.5 x 10-8mg) , and 30C (4.5 x 10-62mg)] administered orally every eight hours for 21 days. Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) was assessed using standard biochemical methods, while liver tissues were examined histologically using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results showed that N. laevis extract significantly increased TAC levels in diabetic rats, with 400–600 mg/kg doses producing effects comparable to the standard drug. Notably, the 1X to 3X homeopathic potencies also maintained higher TAC levels, while 6X and 30C showed limited antioxidant activity. Histopathological analysis revealed that 1X to 3X potencies had significant hepatoprotection, with the 3X group exhibiting nearly normal liver and kidney architecture. These findings highlight the potential of N. laevis, particularly in its lower homeopathic potencies, as a complementary or alternative therapy for oxidative stress-related hepatic complications in diabetes management.