10th U6+ Consortium of African Universities International Conference

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by persistent hyperglycaemia, oxidative stress, and systemic complications. Current treatments, including metformin, are often costly, inaccessible, and associated with adverse side effects, necessitating affordable plant-based alternatives. Vernonia auriculifera is traditionally used for diabetes management across sub-Saharan Africa, yet lacks scientific validation. This study evaluated the phytochemical composition, in vitro antioxidant activity, and in vivo antidiabetic potential of V. auriculifera bark extract in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Twenty-five Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 5): normal control, diabetic control, and diabetic groups receiving 200 mg/kg or 400 mg/kg methanolic bark extract, or 100 mg/kg metformin orally, once daily for 21 days. Phytochemical screening revealed that the aqueous bark extract contained the highest concentrations of flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins. In vitro, the methanolic extract demonstrated significant hydrogen peroxide scavenging ability and ferric reducing power, comparable to ascorbic acid (p < 0.05). The 400 mg/kg extract produced a significant dose-dependent reduction in fasting blood glucose from 280 mg/dL to 97 mg/dL, comparable to metformin (282 to 111 mg/dL). Lipid profile improved, with reductions in triglycerides (1.07 ± 0.12 mmol/L) and LDL-cholesterol (0.24 ± 0.03 mmol/L) and an increase in HDL-cholesterol (0.75 ± 0.07 mmol/L). Malondialdehyde levels were markedly reduced at 400 mg/kg (1.53 μM) compared to the diabetic control (2.95 μM), indicating attenuation of oxidative stress. Hepatoprotective effects were more pronounced at 200 mg/kg, with significant reductions in ALT (107.47 ± 5.58 U/L) and ALP (192.03 ± 14.85 U/L), though values remained above normal, indicating partial hepatic recovery. These findings demonstrate that V. auriculifera bark extract possesses antidiabetic, antioxidant, and organ-protective properties, supporting its potential as an affordable phytomedicine for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus.