Effect of Solanum macrocarponLinn leaf aqueous extract on the brain of an alloxan-induced rat model of diabetes

Objective This study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of aqueous extract of Solanum macrocarponLinn leaf in the brain of an alloxan-induced rat model of diabetes.Methods The experimental model of diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of freshly prepared alloxan. Rats were then divided into six groups: normal control, diabetes control, diabetes group treated with metformin, and three diabetes groups treated with different concentrations of S. macrocarpon. Rats were sacrificed on day 14 of the experiment and different brain biochemical parameters were assessed and compared between groups.Results Administration of different doses of S. macrocarponleaf aqueous extract was associated with significantly reduced levels of fasting blood glucose, lipid peroxidation, neurotransmitters, cholinesterases, cyclooxygenase-2 and nitric oxide compared with diabetes control rats. In addition, antioxidant enzyme activities were significantly increased in diabetes rats administered 12.45, 24.9 and 49.8 mg/kg body weight of S. macrocarponversus diabetes control rats.Conclusion Aqueous extract of S. macrocarponLinn leaf may be useful in the management of diabetic neuropathy.