Ethanolic extract of Spondias mombin (Anacardiaceae) stem bark was investigated for effects on hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidemia, liver and kidney functions, and toxicity to various body organs after chronic daily administration at 150 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg to alloxanised rats for 4 weeks. A significant decrease (P<0.05) in alloxan-induced hyperglycaemia attaining near normalization, as well as significant hypotriglyceridemia (P<0.05) after 4 weeks of extract therapy were observed. Reversal of damage to brain and liver was significant (P<0.05) with the extract while the weights of other organs did not change significantly relative to alloxanised control. Moreover, while the standard antidiabetic drug, chlorpropamide was significantly hepatotoxic (P<0.05), levels of serum enzymes like alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were unaltered in extract-treated animals. Both extract and chlorpropamide significantly (P<0.05) reduced urea level in alloxanised rats. Except for lymphocyte and neutrophils, the extract did not show any significant difference in the haematological parameters. These data appear to justify the anti-hyperglycaemic, hypolipidemic and protective potential for most organs by Spondias mombin.
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