Crassocephalum crepidioides (Asteraceae) Benth S. Moore Leaves Fractions Attenuate Dyslipidemia and Atherogenic Indices in Diabetic Rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus, a metabolic and endocrine disorder, is associated with an impaired lipid profile that can result in increased atherogenic indices. The effects of the aqueous and hexane fractions of C. crepidioides leaves on the lipid profile and atherogenic indices of diabetic rats were investigated in this study. Materials and Methods: Varied concentrations (50-200 mg/kg body weight) of the aqueous (CAF) and hexane (CHF) fractions of C. crepidioides were assayed against streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Histological examinations of the pancreas were carried out using hematoxylin and eosin staining procedures. Experimental rats were randomly divided into 9 groups of 6 rats each and orally treated for 14 days. Results: The tested concentrations (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) of CAF and CHF significantly (p < 0.05) reduced plasma glucose (51.3-62.2%), plasma and liver triglycerides (up to 50.5% in plasma; 66.1% in the liver), total cholesterol (up to 49.0% in plasma; 35.3% in the liver), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (up to 96.0 and 91.0% in the plasma and liver), very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (up to 50.5% in plasma; 55.0% in the liver), and the atherogenic indices elevated by diabetes induction. The high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations were significantly increased (plasma: 73.60-127.60%; liver: 108.70-152.5%) in CAF and CHF-treated diabetic rats compared to the diabetic control. Histological examination showed improved tissue architecture in the pancreas of the diabetic-treated rats compared to the diabetic control. Conclusion: C. crepidioides leaf fractions possess hypolipidemic and anti-atherogenic activities. Therefore, the plant could be useful in managing diabetes, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular conditions.