Evaluation of Phytochemical Composition, Proximate Analysis and Antioxidant Activity of Justicia Carnea Leaves on Streptozotocin – Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats

Introduction/Aim: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a long-term metabolic condition characterized by consistently high blood sugar levels resulting from issues with insulin secretion, function, or both. This disorder, disrupts the normal breakdown and utilization of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, leading to a range of complications throughout the body. This study analyzed the proximate and phytochemical compositions of Justicia carnea leaves, a commonly used herbal plant in folk medicine and determined the antioxidant potential of the methanol extract of the leaves in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Standard methods were employed to determine the proximate and phytochemical composition of the plant. For the antioxidant studies, a total of Thirty-six (36) male wistar rats weighing 180 to 200 g (mean weight = 190 ± 10 g) were divided into six (6) groups of six (6) rats each. Group 1 served as the normal control and received only water and grower’s pellet throughout, group 2 was induced with diabetes, but untreated, group 3 animals were induced with diabetes and treated with 50 mg/kg bw of metformin), groups 4, 5 and 6 were induced with diabetes and treated with 100, 200 and 500 mg/kg bw of methanol extract of Justicia carnea leaves respectively. Diabetes mellitus was induced in the rats by intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/kg bw of STZ. After 21 days of the treatment, the animals were sacrificed and the pancreas, liver and kidney tissues were collected for biochemical analyses. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, steroids, phenols, and terpenoids, indicating significant bioactive potential. Proximate analysis showed high carbohydrate (47.88%) and moisture (22.12%) content, with lower levels of crude fat (0.23%) and protein (1.26%). A significant (p