Erukainure_2019_J.Ethnopharmacol__112033

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Cola nitida is amongst the evergreen plants native to West Africa used in the treatment of various ailments including diabetes. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aims to investigate the antidiabetic effects of the hot water extract of C. nitida seeds in type 2 diabetic rats. METHODS: Type 2 diabetic rats were orally administered with low (150mg/kg bw) and high (300mg/kg bw) doses of the hot water extract for 6wk and thereafter, blood glucose, insulin level, lipid profile, pancreatic beta-cell function, perfusion and morphology, redox imbalance, glycolytic and cholinergic enzymes, as well as of caspase-3 and Nrf2 expressions were measured. RESULTS: Treatment with the extract led to significant depleted levels of blood glucose, triglycerides, LDL-c, fructosamine, ALT, and uric acids, while elevating serum insulin and HDL-c levels. The infusion also significantly (p<0.05) elevated GSH level, SOD, catalase, alpha-amylase, and ATPase activities, with concomitant depletion of myeloperoxidase activity, NO and MDA levels in the serum and pancreas. There were significantly (p<0.05) improved pancreatic beta-cell function and morphology in rats treated with C. nitida, while restoring pancreatic capillary networks. C. nitida inhibited the activities of glycogen phosphorylase, fructose 1,6 biphosphatase, glucose 6 phosphatase, and acetylcholinesterase while downregulating Nrf2 expression. NMR analysis of the infusion revealed the presence of caffeine and theobromine. The identified compounds displayed strong molecular interactions when molecularly docked with caspase-3 and Nrf2. CONCLUSION: These results insinuate the antidiabetic activities of C. nitida hot infusion and may be attributed to the NMR-identified compounds.