The Hypoglycaemia Effect of Telfaria occidentalis Aqueous Leaf Extract in Rats

Abstract

The effects of the aqueous extract of the leaves of Telfaria occidentalis (TO) on blood glucose was determined in normal control as well as streptozotocin-treated hypoglycaemic wistar rats. Blood glucose levels were determined using the Merck urinary glucose stick test and the Sigma o-toluidine glucose test. TO produced a gradual but significant reduction in blood glucose in streptozotocin treated hyperglycaemic rats over a period of eight days compared to the normoglycaemic or chlorpropamide treated controls. It is concluded that the leaves of the plant may have a beneficial effect in diabetes mellitus.


Key words: Telfaria occidentalis, hypoglycaemic effect, rats.


Résumé


Les éffets des extrat acqueses des feuilles de Telfaria (TO) sur le taux sanguing de glucose des souris male Wistar de controles et des streptozotocin hyperglycemique-indiute ont été examinés. Les taux de glucose sanguing ont été dérterminé utilisant. Merck urinary glucose stick et le Sigma o-toluidine glucose test. TO a produit une reduction graduelle mais significante du taux sanging de glucose comparé aux souris de controles ou sous Chlopropamide pendans une periode de huit jours. Il est conclue que TO qui est un légume commun au Nigeria peut avoir un éffet benefique chez les diabétique.


Mot clés : Telfaria occidentalis, hypoglycemie, souris


West African Jnl of Pharmacology and Drug Research Vol.18 2002: 14-16