Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part C (2025)

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing global health concern characterized by hyperglycemia and oxidative stress. Despite the efficacy of current pharmacotherapies, they are often associated with adverse effects and limited accessibility in low-resource settings. RAXI, a traditional polyherbal formulation containing Xylopia aethiopica and Irvingia gabonensis, is used in West Africa for diabetes management but lacks scientific validation.

Objective: To evaluate the antihyperglycemic, antioxidant, and lipid-lowering effects of RAXI in a rat model of T2DM.

Methods: Male Wistar rats were rendered diabetic using a high-fructose diet followed by streptozotocin (STZ) injection (35 mg/kg). Diabetic rats were treated orally with RAXI at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg for 14 days. Glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) served as the reference drug. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), oral glucose tolerance (OGTT), body weight, blood pressure, biochemical markers (ALT, AST, urea, creatinine, lipid profile), and antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, MDA, GSH, GST, nitrite) were measured. Histological analysis of pancreatic tissues was also conducted.

Results: RAXI at 200 mg/kg significantly reduced FBG levels (p<0.05), comparable to glibenclamide. While it did not significantly affect body weight or pulse pressure, it decreased diastolic blood pressure to 400 mg/kg. RAXI also significantly improved lipid profiles and reduced serum ALT, AST, urea, and creatinine levels. Antioxidant analysis revealed a significant increase in catalase activity at 100 mg/kg, though other markers remained unchanged. Histological examination showed mild regeneration of pancreatic β-cells.

Conclusion: RAXI exhibited significant antihyperglycemic, nephroprotective, and hepatoprotective effects in diabetic rats, supporting its ethnomedicinal use. The modest antioxidant effect suggests longer treatment duration may be necessary for full efficacy. These findings provide a scientific basis for the development of RAXI as a complementary therapy for T2DM.