Asian J. Pharm. Tech. 2011; Vol. 1: Issue 4, Pg 137-148 [AJPTech.] 137 ISSN- 2231–5705 (Print) www.asianpharmaonline.org ISSN- 2231–5713 (Online) 0974-3618 RESEARCH ARTICLE Hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic, anti-anemic and ocular-protective effects of an aqueous extract of the rhizomes of Sansevieria liberica Gérôme and Labroy (Agavaceae) on alloxan induced diabetic Wistar rats Ikewuchi Jude Chigozie* and Ikewuchi Catherine Chidinma Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Port Harcourt, Nigeria *Corresponding Author E-mail: ecoli240733@yahoo.com Tel.: +2348033715662 ABSTRACT: The effects of an aqueous extract of the rhizomes of Sansevieria liberica on the haematology, plasma biochemistry and ocular indices of oxidative stress were investigated in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced by injection of alloxan (80 mg/kg body weight), via the tail vein. The extract was administered orally at 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg (both to normal and diabetic rats), and metformin at 50 mg/kg. On gas chromatographic analysis of the extract, thirty nine known alkaloids (consisting mainly of 63.98% akuamidine, 33.63% voacangine and 1.26% echitamidine), tannic acid and -sitosterol were detected. Compared to test control, the treatment significantly (P<0.05) lowered in a dose dependent manner, ocular malondialdehyde content, atherogenic indices, lymphocyte and monocyte counts; and plasma levels of glucose, triglyceride, total-, very low density lipoprotein-, low density lipoprotein- and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterols, total and conjugated bilirubins, total protein, sodium, urea, blood urea nitrogen, as well as plasma activities of alkaline phosphatase, alanine and aspartate transaminases. However, the treatment significantly (P<0.05) increased packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, total white cell, neutrophil and eosinophil counts, mean cell volume, plasma levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol, calcium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate, and ocular vitamin C content and activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase. This study revealed the presence of pharmacologically active compounds in the rhizome extract. It showed the hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, anti-anaemic, immunomodulatory, ocular-protective and hepato-renal toning potentials of the extract. All of these, highlights the cardioprotective and oculoprotective capacities of the rhizomes of Sansevieria liberica, and support their use in traditional health care practices for the management of diabetes mellitus. KEYWORDS: hypoglycemia, lipid profile, ocular oxidative stress, Sansevieria liberica Gérôme and Labroy, sitosterol, tannic acid. INTRODUCTION: Sansevieria liberica belongs to the family Agavaceae (Ruscaceae or Dracaenaceae). It is one of the bowstring hemp species 1 , with concave, short petioled leaves that are in part transversely banded with light and dark green, also linearly striated with whitish to light green and dark green striations 2 . The leaves are very rich in fibers 3,4 , protein 4 , potassium, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, biotin, and riboflavin 5 . Received on 12.09.2011 Accepted on 19.10.2011 © Asian Pharma Press All Right Reserved Asian J. Pharm. Tech. 1(4): Oct. - Dec. 2011; Page 137-148 This plant has long rhizomes with long fibrous roots and a rapid rate of growth. The fruit is a red or orange berry. It is a rather stout herb with several stiff red-margined leaves about 2 feet high arising from the creeping plant, 50-80 cm long inflorescence longer than leaves with abundant white flowers. They are grown as ornamental plants 6 . They are widely distributed throughout the tropics. In Nigeria, the leaves and roots of Sansevieria liberica are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of asthma, abdominal pains, colic, diarrhea, eczema, gonorrhea, hemorrhoids, hypertension, monorrhagia, piles, sexual weakness, snake bites and wounds of the foot 3,7,8,9,10 . The anti-anaemic activities of the leaves have been reported 11 . The sedative and anticonvulsant activities of the roots have been studied by Adeyemi et al. 12 The root decoction is a stimulating