Hydro-Alcoholic Root Extracts of Ziziphus abyssinica is Effective in Diabetes Nephropathy and Diabetic Wound Healing

Background: This study evaluated the potential of Ziziphus abysinnica root extract in managing hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), diabetic wound healing and diabetic nephropathy.

Methodology: Blood glucose concentrations were measured daily for 14 days after daily administrations of either Ziziphus abysinnica (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg, p.o), metformin (300 mg/kg, p.o) or normal saline as negative control before diabetes induction using a single dose of Streptozotocin (60 mg/kg, i.p) and nicotinamide (120 mg/kg, i.p). Histopathological analysis was performed on the harvested kidneys following administration with Ziziphus abysinnica in diabetic rats. The diabetic wound healing potentials of the plant was also evaluated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by treating them with 15%w/w ZAE ointment.

Results: Generally, the percentage of blood glucose levels analysed following administration of drugs were found to be dose-dependent. The highest dose of ZAE (300 mg/kg) had a higher percentage reduction in blood glucose concentration when compared to metformin (300 mg/kg). The lowest dose (30 mg/kg) of ZAE administered attenuated STZ induced pathological damage and showed moderate to maximal improvement to the kidney nephrons. In contrast, the 100 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg dose ZAE demonstrated minimal pathological changes to the kidney architecture.

Conclusion: Overall, our study demonstrated the antidiabetic potential of Ziziphus abysinnica, suggesting its possible therapeutic benefit in diabetic wound healing and diabetic nephropathy.