title: Evaluation of the properties of Gongronema latifolium in phospholipon 90H based solid lipid microparticles (SLMs): an antidiabetic study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Gongronema latifolium Benth Hook, (Asclepiadaceae) is a tropical rainforest plant primarily used in traditional folk medicine in the treatment of malaria, diabetes, hypertension, and as laxative.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To study the antidiabetic properties of Gongronema latifolium-loaded solid lipid microparticles (SLMs).
  
  
  METHODS
  The methanolic extract of Gongronema latifolium leaves were obtained and formulated into SLMs using lipid matrix comprising of fat from Capra hircus and Phospholipon® 90H. The SLMs were characterized in vitro by determining the particle size and morphology, pH stability studies, and encapsulation efficiency EE%. Also, the antidiabetic properties of the Gongronema latifolium-loaded SLMs were studied in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results show that the particle size of G. latifolium-loaded SLMs was within an acceptable range for SLMs. Highest EE% of 68% was obtained for SLMs containing 5% G. latifolium (batch F3). The formulations remained stable with insignificant pH reduction over time (p < 0.05). Gongronema latifolium-loaded SLMs had mean percentage reduction in blood glucose of 76% at 2 h, 42.3% at 8 h, and 24.4% at 12 h, while the group that received the reference-glibenclamide had 82.6, 61.7, and 46.7% at 2, 8, and 12 h, respectively, after oral administration of all samples. Gongronema latifolium-loaded SLMs had blood glucose reduction significantly higher than the pure extract and the glibenclamide (p < 0.05) at the concentrations used.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Gongronema latifolium-loaded SLMs exhibited a good hypoglycemic effect and could be used for the treatment of diabetes.
authors.affiliation: 1Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Salome Amarachi
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Chime
authors.forename: Ikechukwu V
authors.initials: IV
authors.lastname: Onyishi
authors.forename: Paschal U
authors.initials: PU
authors.lastname: Ugwoke
authors.forename: Anthony A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Attama
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D029062:Apocynaceae; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D002214:Capsules / Q000032:analysis; D003921:Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000032:analysis*; D005223:Fats; D005905:Glyburide / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006041:Goats; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008055:Lipids; D010316:Particle Size; D010713:Phosphatidylcholines; D010743:Phospholipids; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D002214:Capsules; D004337:Drug Carriers; D005223:Fats; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D008055:Lipids; D010713:Phosphatidylcholines; D010743:Phospholipids; D010936:Plant Extracts; C585968:phospholipon 90G; D005905:Glyburide