Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic Effects of Tithonia diversifolia Aqueous Root Extract in Western Diet-Fed Wistar Albino Rats

Abstract

This study investigated the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of Tithonia diversifolia aqueous root extract in Wistar albino rats fed a Western diet, comparing its efficacy to standard drugs. Hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia are major contributors to metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, often managed with synthetic drugs that may have adverse effects. While Tithonia diversifolia has been traditionally used to manage these conditions, its efficacy and potential as an alternative therapy remain insufficiently explored. Thirty-five male Wistar albino rats (180–200g) were divided into seven groups (n=5). G1 received a normal diet, while G2 was fed a Western diet throughout. G3 and G4 were treated with atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) and glibenclamide (0.5 mg/kg), respectively, after 35 days on a Western diet. G5 and G6 received Tithonia diversifolia extract at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg for seven days. G7 was reverted to a normal diet after 28 days on a Western diet. Fasting blood glucose was measured weekly, and lipid profiles were analysed at the study's conclusion. Western diet-fed groups showed a significant increase in fasting blood glucose (p=0.000). Extract-treated groups (G5, G6) exhibited a significant reduction in fasting glucose and cholesterol (p=0.000), with G6 (1.2 mmol/L) achieving results comparable to atorvastatin (2.0 mmol/L). Triglycerides significantly decreased (p=0.036) in G5, G6, and G3, while HDL-C levels remained unchanged. Tithonia diversifolia extract demonstrated hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects similar to standard drugs. Further studies should focus on isolating its bioactive compounds, optimising dosage, and evaluating long-term safety for therapeutic applications.