Nutraceutical Benefits of Anchomanes difformis Rhizome and Its Effects on Blood Glucose and Hepatorenal Function in Normoglycemic Rats

ABSTRACT

This study aims to scientifically validate the nutraceutical profile, hypoglycemic efficacy, and preliminary safety profile of Anchomanes difformis dried rhizome powder and its extracts. We analyzed the dried rhizome powder, aqueous extracts, and ethanol extracts of A. difformis . Proximate analysis and qualitative phytochemical screening were carried out. Furthermore, blood glucose, liver enzymes, and kidney markers were evaluated in normal Wistar rats over a period of 21 days. Our results show that the rhizome contained 47.12% carbohydrate, 12.87% crude protein, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium. Phytochemical analysis detected phenols, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, oxalates, phytates, and trypsin inhibitors. Both extracts lowered plasma glucose levels in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. Doses between 200 and 500 mg/kg were well tolerated. Chronic doses ≥ 1000 mg/kg induced hepatotoxicity, marked by elevated AST and ALP levels. High doses of the ethanol extract significantly increased urea levels. We conclude that A. difformis rhizomes possess appreciable nutritional and hypoglycemic properties that support their ethnomedicinal use. However, consumption must be carefully regulated due to dose‐dependent hepatic and renal toxicity during long‐term, high‐dose use.