Effects of Cataranthus roseus on Electrolyte Derangement Induced by Chlorpropamide (Diabinese) on Normoglycemic Albino Wistar Rat

Abstract
This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy (or otherwise) of Cataranthus, roseus extract in ameliorating electrolyte imbalance following treatment with anti-diabetic drug chlorpropamide (Diabinese). A total of 32 rats of mixed sexes were randomly assigned into 4 treatment groups of 8 rats each. Group A (control) received placebo (0.14ml of 30% ethanol) 1kg body weight of rat. Group B received Diabinese in a dose of 1.6mg/kg body weight of rat while group C received 400mg/kg body weight of Cataranthus roseus (C. roseus) extract. Group D received Diabinese in a dose of 1.6mg/kg body weight plus 400mg/kg body weight C. roseus extract. The above dosages were administered twice daily via orogastric intubation in a 12 hour cycle. The administration was terminated at the end of 14 days, animal sacrificed, serum collected and electrolyte (Na, K and CL) profile assayed. The result obtained showed no-significant (P>0.05) decrease in serum concentration of chloride ion in Group B-D relative to control. There is however, a significant (P<0.05) reduction in serum potassium ion and sodium which is well pronounced in serum of rats treated with Diabinese and mild in group C treated with C. roseus. However, 2 combined treatment of C. roseus with Diabinese significantly (P<0.05) elevated serum sodium ion concentration relative to control than Diabinese treated group alone. This implies a-restoration of the seemingly hyponatremia associated with Diabinese therapy. Keywords: Cataranthus roseus, Electrolyte derangement. Diabinese, Normoglycemic