International Science Community Association International Research Journal of Biological Sciences 2278-3202 13 3 2024 08 10 Nature's Pharmacy: Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) Leaves as a Novel Therapeutic Agent for Diabetes, Hypertension, High Cholesterol, Gastric Ulcers, Kidney Stones and Gout 27 32 EN M.G. Ajuru 1 Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworuokwo, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Rivers state, Nigeria V. Wilson 2 Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworuokwo, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Rivers state, Nigeria M. I. Ibrahim 1 Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO), Abuja, Nigeria I.M. Alhassan 2 Department of Biochemistry, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria S. Abubakar 3 Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO), Abuja, Nigeria S. M. Hafsat 4 Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO), Abuja, Nigeria F.A. Umar 5 Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO), Abuja, Nigeria H. Suleiman 6 Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO), Abuja, Nigeria S. M. Alkasim 7 Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO), Abuja, Nigeria Rabiu Sani Zurmi 1 Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria Salisu Abubakar 2 Biotechnology Advance Research Center, Sheda Science and Technology Complex, P.M.B. 186, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria Shamsiya Muhammad Sani 3 Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria Marie Mapongmetsem Pierre 1 Laboratory of Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Faculty of Science, University of Ngaoundere, P.O. Box 454 Ngaoundere, Cameroon Juma Ibrahim 1 Department of Food Science and Technology, Collage of Agriculture and Food Technology, University of Dar es Salaam P.O. Box 35134, Dares Salaam, Tanzania > Review Paper 2024 5 1 2024 08 10 Non-communicable diseases originating from a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental and behavioural factors are threatening livelihoods of mankind. They kill approximately 41 million people each year, equivalent to 74% of all deaths globally. Avocado leaves harbour bioactive substances that could help managing a range of non-communicable diseases. The aim of this article is to review the therapeutic potential of such leaves in managing diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, kidney stones, gastric ulcers and gout. Avocado leaf extracts at a dosage of 100 mg/kg/day effectively reduced blood glucose levels in diabetic rats and thus managed type 2 diabetes throughout a four-week treatment period. The extracts managed hypertension by lowering systolic blood pressure from 164.9 ± 7.2 to 116.8 ± 6.4 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure from 118.4 ± 16.2 to 82.8 ± 6.5 mmHg. The extracts regulated plasma cholesterol levels by increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (good cholesterol) and lowering total cholesterol, triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (bad cholesterol). Additionally, the extracts prevented oxidant damage and crystal formation and deposits in the white rat kidneys. The extract managed gastric ulcers by reducing gastric acid secretion and ulcer count/index. As for the management of gout, avocado leaf extract demonstrated ability of lowering blood uric acid content (from 12.3 to 4.3%) whose higher levels result into gout. This suggests that avocado leaf could be processed into conventional drugs for managing such non communicable diseases. Copyright@ International Science Community Association