DETERMINATION OF THE LIPID PROFILE OF TRICHOSANTHES CUCUMERINA (SNAKE GOURD) ETHANOL LEAF EXTRACT OF STZ INDUCED DIABETES IN ALBINO RATS.

Diabetes mellitus is a disorder that affects the body’s ability to make or use insulin. The effects of diabetes mellitus include long term damage, dysfunction and failure of various organs. Long-term harm, organ failure, and dysfunction are all consequences of diabetes mellitus. Trichosanthes cucumerina has been used traditionally to decrease blood glucose level. This study accessed the determination of the lipid profile of Trichosanthes cucumerina leaf extract of STZ induced diabetes in albino rats. Statistical analysis was done using analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The data (result) was expressed as the mean SEM. The lipid parameters evaluated include low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TG). Diabetic rats were treated with varying doses of Silybum marianum extract (1000 mg/kg, 1500 mg/kg, and 2000 mg/kg) for four weeks. Compared to the normal control group (LDL: 60 ± 5a, VLDL: 12 ± 2a, HDL: 55 ± 4a, TC: 127 ± 8a, TG: 60 ± 5a), the diabetic positive control group exhibited elevated levels of LDL (140 ± 10b), VLDL (25 ± 3b), TC (210 ± 12b), and TG (120 ± 10b), with reduced HDL (40 ± 5b), indicating dyslipidemia. Treatment with Trichosanthes cucumerina extract resulted in dose-dependent improvements. At 2000 mg/kg, LDL levels decreased to 100 ± 7a, VLDL to 17 ± 2a, and TC to 168 ± 10a, with an increase in HDL to 47 ± 3a and TG reduction to 80 ± 6a. The medium dose (1500 mg/kg) lowered LDL to 110 ± 8a, VLDL to 20 ± 3a, TC to 175 ± 12a, and TG to 90 ± 7a, with HDL increasing to 44 ± 3a. The low dose (1000 mg/kg) also improved the lipid profile, with LDL at 120 ± 10a, VLDL at 21 ± 2a, TC at 185 ± 14a, TG at 100 ± 8a, and HDL at 42 ± 4a. These results indicate that Tricosanthes cucumerina extract, especially at higher doses, effectively mitigates lipid abnormalities in diabetic rats, suggesting its potential as a natural remedy for managing dyslipidemia in diabetes. Further studies are recommended to explore its mechanisms and long-term effects.