Comparative Effects of Cashew Nut, Leaf and Stem Bark (Anacardium Occidentale L.) on Hyperglycemia and Associated Abnormalities in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Background: Medicinal plants are used as alternative therapy for diabetes. This study investigated comparative effects of methanolic extracts of Anacardium occidentale (linn) nut, leaf and stem bark on hyperglycemia and associated abnormalities in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Ninety male Wistar albino rats weighing (200±20g) were used and diabetes was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (50mg/kgb.wt). The rats were allotted into 9 groups, 10rats/group. Group I: (non-diabetic); Group II: (diabetic untreated); Groups: III & IV: diabetic rats received 100mg/kgb.wt& 200mg/kgb.wt nut extract; Groups: V & VI: diabetic rats received 100mg/kgb.wt& 200mg/kgb.wt leaves extract; VII & VIII were diabetic rats received 100mg/kgb.wt& 200mg/kgb.wt stem bark extract and Group IX: diabetic rats received 2mg/kgb.wt p.o glimepirides for 4weeks. Daily food and water intakes were recorded; weekly body weight and blood glucose levels were measured throughout the experiment. The animals were sacrificed on the last day and fasting plasma blood glucose was withdrawn for biochemical parameters estimation. Results: Fasting plasma blood glucose, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase, alkaline (ALT), aminotransferase (ALP), urea, uric acid, creatinine, malondialdehydes (MDA) and water intake levels were significantly (p<0.01, 0.05) reduced in the extracts treated groups. However, High density lipoprotein- cholesterol (HDL-C), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), body weight and food intake levels were significantly (p<0.01, 0.05) increased in the extracts treated groups. Conclusion: Anacardium occidentale parts posses anti-diabetic properties. The nut has extreme therapeutic efficacy and could be used as alternative therapy for diabetes. Keywords: Anacardium occidentale, Hyperglycemia, Lipid profiles, Antioxidants, Kidney function.