Antidiabetic activity of hydromethanolic leaf extracts of Prosopis oblonga (Benth) in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Abstract

The hypoglycaemic and toxicological properties of the leaf extract of Prosopis oblonga, Benth were evaluated on normoglycaemic and hyperglycaemic rats. The hypoglycaemic activity was evaluated in alloxan monohydrate-induced hyperglycaemic rats (80 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally). Phytochemical screening of the leaf extracts showed the presence of saponins, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponin-glycosides, cardiac-glycosides, steroids and volatile oils. The potency of the leaf extracts was compared with that of oral hypoglycaemic agent (Glibenclamide). Administered doses of 250, 500 and 750 mg/Kg body weight of the leaf extract to diabetic rats, showed significant (P <0.05) reduction of blood glucose level in a dose dependent manner when compared with the control and the reference drug group. However, in normoglycaemic rats, a significant (P <0.05) reduction in blood glucose was also observed. This showed that the leaf extracts of the plant have a blood sugar lowering effect, though more significantly on diabetic rats. The lethal dosage (LD50) obtained was greater than 5000mg/kg. These results suggest that the leaf extract is relatively safe and could be used in the management of diabetes mellitus.