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Background. Conventional antidiabetic drugs are linked with a number of contraindications and untoward effects. The root decoction of Solanum incanum L. has traditionally been used to treat diabetes. However, its safety and efficacy have not been scientifically authenticated yet. Hence, the study was conducted in mice to corroborate its antidiabetic potential and safety profile. Methods. Using normoglycemic, oral glucose-loaded, and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice models, the hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic activities of 80% methanolic root extract were investigated. On streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice, the effect of the test extract on diabetic lipid profile and body weight was also investigated. Further, the in vitro α-amylase inhibition activity was assessed. Results. The test extract was safe at a limit test dose of 2 g/kg. Dose-dependent α-amylase inhibition activity was seen with peak percentage inhibition of 75.95% at 700 μg/mL. In normoglycemic mice, the plant extract showed statistically significant hypoglycemic activity at 200 and 400 mg/kg ( P < 0.001 ) at 6  h and 4 and 6 h of treatment, respectively; in oral glucose-loaded mice, at both the test doses, the glucose level was also significantly dropped at 120 ( P < 0.01 ) and 60 and 120 min ( P < 0.001 ), respectively; whereas, in the third model, the test extract showed significant antihyperglycemic activity at 100 mg/kg ( P < 0.05 ) on the 14th day and at 200 ( P < 0.01 ) and 400 mg/kg ( P < 0.001 ) on the 7th and 14th day of treatment. Similarly, following repeated administration of the test extract at 200 and 400 mg/kg, the body weight was significantly improved on the 14th day ( P < 0.05 ) and on the 7th and 14th day ( P < 0.01 ), respectively, while diabetic dyslipidemia after 14 days ( P < 0.05 ). Conclusion. The study revealed that the test extract showed promising antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activity. Thus, the findings back up its use in Ethiopian remedies for diabetes.

Introduction. Diabetes Mellitus isa chronic metabolic disorder that required long-lasting treatment. In Ethiopian traditional medicine practices, abundant plants have been used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus for a long period. The root of Rumex abyssinicus is employed for the treatment of diabetes mellitus by Ethiopians. This study aimed to investigate the antidiabetic activity of the crude extract of Rumex abyssinicus root in Swiss albino mice. Methods. Cold maceration technique and hydro methanolic (80% methanol) solvent with occasionally shaking were employed during the crude extraction processes. To evaluate the antidiabetic activity of the crude extract, normoglycemic, glucose-loaded, and streptozotocin-induced diabetic models were used. In each model, the overnight fasted mice were randomly divided into five groups for normoglycemic and glucose-loaded models as a negative control, positive control, and three tested groups, whereas, in streptozotocin-induced diabetic models, the mice were grouped into six groups like one diabetic and one normal negative control groups, three diabetic tested groups, and one diabetic positive group. Each group comprised six mice. For all models, the tested groups received the crude extract at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg doses, both diabetic and nondiabetic negative control groups received 10 ml/kg distilled water, and positive groups received 5 mg/kg glibenclamide. Results. The crude extract of the plant did not show any sign of toxicity up to 2000 mg/kg dose. In normoglycemic and oral glucose tolerance tests, the crude extract significantly ( p < 0.01 ) reduced the blood glucose level at 200 and 400 mg/kg doses. In the streptozotocin-induced diabetes models, a significant effect was observed at all tested doses. Conclusion. The finding of this study revealed that the crude extract of the plant owned antidiabetic activity and supports the traditional use of Rumex abyssinicus root for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Introduction. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic endocrine disorder that requires long-term treatment. In Ethiopian traditional medicine practice, plants have been provided with a vital role in fighting human and animal diseases since ancient times. The aqueous extract of Lonchocarpus laxiflorus (L. laxiflorus) leaves has been consumed for treating diabetes mellitus without confirming its safety and efficacy scientifically. This experiment aimed to evaluate the safety and antidiabetic efficacy of the leaf extract of L. laxiflorus in mice models. Methods. The crude extraction was conducted using a cold maceration technique and 80% methanol solvent. Normoglycemic, oral glucose-loaded, and streptozotocin-induced (STZ) diabetic models were employed. Male Swiss albino mice were randomly grouped into five categories( with six mice per group during normoglycemic, oral glucose-loadingtest as a negative control, positive control, and three treatment groups. In STZ-induced diabetic models, the groups include normal and diabetic negative control, diabetic positive control, and three diabetic treatment groups. The negative control groups received vehicles, the positive control received 5 mg/kg glibenclamide, and the treatment groups received the crude extract at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg doses, respectively. Results. Up to 2000 mg/kg crude extract, neither signs of toxicity nor death were observed. In normoglycemic mice, there was a significant blood glucose reduction at 200 and 400 mg/kg doses starting from the 2nd h post-administration. The oral glucose load showed a significant antihyperglycemic effect at 200 and 400 mg/kg of the crude extract and glibenclamide. In STZ-induced diabetic models, the 200, 400 mg/kg crude extract, and glibenclamide showed a significant antidiabetic activity and enhancement of a good serum lipid profile. Conclusion. This study confirmed that the leaf of L. laxiflorus was safe and possesses antidiabetic and antidyslipidemic activities.