Project Materials

THE EFFECTS OF SENNA TORA LEAVES EXTRACT ON THE BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS OF THE DIABETIC ALBINO RATS (A FOCUS ON DIABETES MELLITUS)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Diabetes mellitus is a condition when the body does not create or use insulin as it should, resulting in high blood vessels of glucose (sugar). Diabetes mellitus comes in two main kinds. When the pancreas fails to make insulin, type 1 diabetes results. When body cells oppose the effects of insulin, type 2 diabetes develops (Microsoft Encarta, 2009).

Blood glucose levels rise as a result of this illness. Between 70 and 110 mg/dl is the typical range for blood glucose levels. By encouraging the body’s cells to absorb glucose, or sugar, for use as an energy source, the hormone insulin helps to maintain appropriate blood glucose levels.

Because the body is unable to convert glucose into energy, it starts breaking down stored lipids for fuel, which results in excessive urination, thirst, hunger, and issues with fat and protein metabolism in diabetics.

As a result, the blood contains more and more ketone bodies, which are acidic substances that disrupt the cells’ ability to make energy through respiration. In rats, alloxan causes diabetes mellitus.

A beta cytotoxin called alloxan damages cells that secrete insulin, causing diabetes in a wide range of animal species. These animals have traits that are comparable to those of type 1 diabetes in people. Diabetes mellitus frequently results in hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolaemia. (C. C. Rerup, 1999).

Senna tora, a legume belonging to the caesalpiniodeae subfamily, was first identified by Linne as cassia tora. It is regarded as a weed in many locations and grows wild in most tropical regions. Although its native range is unknown, it is most likely South Asia.

It is frequently mistaken for sickle pods obtusifolia or Chinese senna. It is referred to as sickle wild sensitive plant if it is given a unique common name at all (nature serve, 200).

Its diverse tropical and agroclimatic conditions make it an ideal place to introduce and domesticate novel and exotic plant species. Modern pharmaceutical substances have their roots in the usage of plants, plant extracts, and pure compounds that have been extracted from natural sources.

The importance of fine species senna in the local herbal medicine was shown by an ethnobotanical search conducted in and around Ogbomoso, Oyo state, Nigeria. The purpose of the latest study was to support the use of senna tora as a traditional medicine by screening the extract for hypoglycemic action.

Phytochemical screening gives information about the chemical components of this, which is useful for finding new sources of other materials as well as for the development of new therapeutic treatments.

Senna tora is used as a liver stimulant, mild laxative, heart tonic, fever reliever, and treatment for dermatitis and eczema, among other conditions.

The purpose and goals of the study

Thus, the study’s objective is to:

i. To measure normal and Alloxan-induced diabetic rats’ blood glucose levels.

ii. To ascertain how the extract from senna tora leaves affects the diabetic albino rats’ blood glucose levels.

iii. To compare values prior to and following induction using senna tora and alloxan leaves.