Polyphenol-rich Ocimum gratissimum leaf extract attenuates angiotensin-converting enzyme activity and impaired endothelial vascular function in diabetic rats
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria.
World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2024, 20(01), 520–531.
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjbphs.2024.20.1.0814
Publication history:
Received on 09 September 2024; revised on 19 October 2024; accepted on 22 October 2024
Abstract:
Endothelial vascular dysfunctions are prevalent among diabetic patients, significantly impacting their quality of life and prognosis. This study examined the effects of polyphenol-rich extracts from Ocimum gratissimum leaves on oxidative stress markers, serum lipid profiles, and angiotensin-converting enzyme activity in diabetic cardiac tissue. Forty Wistar rats (150–220 g) were divided into five groups: normal control, diabetic control, low-dose Ocimum gratissimum (122.46 mg/kg), medium-dose Ocimum gratissimum (244.98 mg/kg), and a positive control (standard diabetic drug). All rats except the normal control group were made diabetic via an intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/kg streptozotocin, followed by 28 days of extract administration. Diabetes induction led to a significant (p<0.05) disruptions in lipid profiles, oxidative stress markers, and ACE activity. Treatment with Ocimum gratissimum extracts at both doses significantly (p<0.05) decreased triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Lipid peroxidation marker, malondialdehyde, was significantly (p<0.05) decreased, and antioxidant enzyme activities significantly (p<0.005) improved. ACE activity was significantly (p<0.05) reduced, approaching control levels. These results suggest that the polyphenol-rich extract of Ocimum gratissimum exerts antioxidant and cardio-protective effects, improving vascular functions in diabetic rats by improving lipid profiles, reducing oxidative stress, and suppressing ACE activity.
Keywords:
Angiotensin-converting enzyme; Diabetes; Lipid profile; Ocimum gratissimum; Oxidative stress
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