Background: This contemporary study was conducted to investigate the potential effects of Annona muricata aqueous leaf extract on serum glucose levels, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, and total antioxidant status (TAS) in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Annona muricata, a member of the Annonaceae family, is a fruit tree widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions and is known for its diverse traditional uses. Commonly referred to as soursop, graviola, or guanabana, previous studies have demonstrated its pharmacological activities, including anticancer, anticonvulsant, anti-arthritic, hepatoprotective, and antidiabetic properties. Methods: Twenty (20) male Wistar rats divided into four groups; consisting of five rats each as follows: group 1= rat pellet + water + alloxan + chlorpopromide, group 2 = rat pellet + water + alloxan + extract, group 3= rat pellet + water + alloxan and group 4 = rat pellet + water, and rats in group 4 served as control. Hyperglycaemia was induced in Groups 1, 2 and 3 by intra-peritoneal injection of alloxan. Blood samples were collected at baseline and by the end of 3weeks of administration of aqueous leaf extract Annona muricata, another blood sample was collected. The samples were used for estimation of glucose, MDA and TAS by standard spectrophotometric methods. Results: The administration of alloxan to the test groups; B, C and D, resulted in hyperglycaemia, increased MDA levels and decreased TAS. A notable decrease (p<0.05) was observed when the extract and chlorpopromide treated diabetic groups were compared with the untreated diabetic group. A significant decrease (p<0.05) in elevated MDA levels was observed when extract and chlorpopromide treated diabetic groups were compared with the corresponding diabetic control group. Increase in the mean TAS of chlorpopromide and extract treated groups when compared with the untreated diabetic group and treated diabetic group was observed. Conclusion: A decrease in glucose level suggests that, leaf extract A. muricata has hypoglycaemic effects on alloxan induced hyperglycaemia in rats. A decreased MDA level suggests a reduction in free radical generation, an increase in TAS may reflects the ability of the antioxidative system to combat free radical related oxidative stress, which has been implicated in the pathology of various diseases.
