Effect of Nauclea latifolia leaves aqueous extracts on blood glucose levels of normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Abstract

In Northern Nigeria, different parts of Nauclea latifolia (family: Rubiaceae) are prescribed as remedy for diabetes mellitus. This study was designed to evaluate the hypoglycemic property of aqueous extract of the leaves of the plant in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The aqueous extracts at (200 mg/kg bw.) significantly lowered glucose levels (p<0.05) of the diabetic rats by 45% within 4 h but showed no similar effect in normoglycaemic rats. This finding suggest that aqueous extract of the leaves of N. latifolia posses hypoglycaemic activity to warrant further detailed study to elucidate its therapeutic, toxicological and phytochemical properties.

Key Words: Nauclea latifolia, hypoglycaemic activity, alloxan-induced diabetes.

African Journal of Biotechnology Vol.4(1) 2005: 91-93