Metabolic effects of the consumption of aqueous Kalanchoe pinnata preparation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Background: Kalanchoe pinnata is a medicinal plant found in South America, India, and the Caribbean. Aqueous preparations of the leaves are traditionally used for the treatment of a wide range of diseases in many parts of the world, including diabetes. While previous studies have confirmed the acclaimed hypoglycemic properties, its metabolic effects in diabetes remains unknown. In this study, we evaluated the metabolic effects of K. pinnata preparation in the management of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Eighteen (18) adult Sprague rats were assigned by weight into three groups for a 30 day study [six rats per group, average body weight (297.28 ± 15.17 g)]. The groups were composed as follows: Healthy rats receiving de-ionized water (Normal Control); diabetic rats administered de-ionized water (Diabetic Control); diabetic rats administered aqueous preparation of Kalanchoe pinnata leaves (~ 0.14 grams / kg body weight; Diabetic Treated). Animals were euthanized by decapitation on day 30 after the commencement of the feeding trial. Blood and organ samples were collected for the biochemical and hematological assays. Results: The diabetic groups lost weight and consumed less food compared to the normal control group. However, the diabetic treated groups’ loss in weight was more evident than the diabetic control groups’ loss in weight. We noted a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in blood glucose level in the diabetic group treated with K. pinnata preparation compared to the other groups. Serum albumin was significantly (P < 0.05) elevated in the diabetic treated group compared to the diabetic control. Serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in the diabetic treated group compared to the diabetic control. There was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in the diabetic control and diabetic treated groups compared to the normal control group. Serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level was significantly (P < 0.05) elevated in the diabetic treated group compared to the other groups. Liver lipid profile was not significantly altered among the groups. However, K. pinnata administration significantly (P < 0.05) reduced renal total cholesterol level compared to the diabetic sus, 1/25/2012 control. Serum antioxidant enzyme activities were increased and lipid peroxidation was reduced in the diabetic treated group compared to the diabetic control group. There was a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in serum amylase activity in the diabetic control and improved amylase activity in the diabetic treated group. We observed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in magnesium ATPase activity in the intestinal mucosa and erythrocyte membrane of the diabetic treated group compared to the diabetic control. We also noted a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the hepatic pyruvate kinase activity in the diabetic treated group compared to the diabetic control group. Renal NADP+-isocitrate dehydrogenase activity was significantly (P < 0.05) increased in the diabetic treated group compared to the diabetic control group. Serum IL-6 level was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in the diabetic treated group compared to the diabetic control group. Conclusion: Overall, the consumption of aqueous K. pinnata preparation may increase pyruvate kinase activity with subsequent increase in hepatic glucose utilization for energy generation and decrease in blood glucose level. Additionally, we also noted that interleukin-6, which was significantly elevated in the diabetic control group, was reduced to normal control level due to the treatment. This may be indicative of reduced inflammation and reduced chances of vascular disease. However, the observed increase in serum ALP activity and BUN level may be indicative of hepatic or renal damage. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effect of K. pinnata preparation consumption on serum ALP activity and BUN level.