Hypoglycaemic effects of the aqueous extract of Newbouldia laevis root in rats

Abstract

The effect of aqueous root extract of Newbouldia laevis (P. Beauv) of the family Bignoniaceae reportedly used in folk medicine to treat diabetes mellitus, on alloxan experimental hyperglycaemia, and normal blood glucose level was determined in adult male rats by glucose Oxidase method. The extract significantly reduced serum glucose levels in both diabetic and normal rats at the two doses administered (500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight; bucal intubation). In both the normal and diabetic rats, maximal blood glucose lowering effect following extract administration was observed after 4 h and 6 h, respectively, in rats given 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight extract. Phytochemical analysis of the extract reveals a strong presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins. The observed activity of the extract does not appear at variance with known antidiabetic properties of flavonoids. Hypoglycaemia could be a side effect when extract is applied in folk medical treatment of non-diabetic ailments.

Protective Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Gongronema Latifolium Leaves in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

“…The effect of administration of G. latifolium extracts on alloxan induced diabetic rats observed in this study appear to be dose dependent with the higher dose being the more potent. Thus, the results of this study of the ethanolic extract of G. latifolium on the blood glucose levels of normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats are in consonant with the findings of earlier researchers that plant extracts have hypoglycemic and insulin release stimulatory effects which in turn reversed alloxan induced hyperglycemia in [2,23]. The possible mechanism by which ethanol extract brings about its hypoglycemic action may be by induction of pancreatic insulin secretion from β cells of islets of langerhans or due to enhanced transport of blood glucose to peripheral tissue.…”

“…Diabetes mellitus is a predominant public health concern, affecting approximately 176 million people worldwide and there are projections that the number of diabetics will exceed 350 million by 2030 [1,2]. The disease causes substantial morbidity, mortality, and long-term complications and remains an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease [3].…”

“…Though the discovery of insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents has helped in the management of diabetes mellitus, the frequent occurrence of side effects and the toxicities as well as their inability to cure the disease have necessitated the search for plant based derivatives for possible use in the treatment of the disease [2]. Also, the current shift away from the use of synthetic chemicals in food processing necessitates a further evaluation of widely available but underutilized tropical medicine which bears low cost, easy availability and has lesser side effects.…”

Comparative Study of the Effects of Methanolic Extracts of Spondias mombin Leaves and Curcuma longa Rhizomes on Serum Lipid Profile and Electrolytes in Alloxan Induced Diabetes in Male Wistar Rats

“…These compounds have demonstrated therapeutic potential in ameliorating the possible complications associated with diabetes [36]. These compounds are believed to act through: stimulation of insulin from remnant beta cells, [36,37] enhancement of glucose transport to marginal tissues, [37,38] and inhibition of gastrointestinal absorption of glucose [39,40,41].…”

Comparative Assessment of Methanolic Extracts of Hog Plum (<i>Spondias mombin linn.</i>) Leaves and Turmeric (<i>Curcuma longa L.</i>) Rhizomes on Blood Glucose and Glycosylated Haemoglobin in Male Wistar Rats

“…These compounds have been shown to play a contributory role in ameliorating complications associated with diabetes (Xi, 2007). The possible mechanism of action of these compounds in reducing blood glucose include: stimulation of insulin from residual beta cells; (Xi, 2007;Youn et al, 2004) enhancement of glucose transport to body tissues; (Youn et al, 2004;Okonkwo and Okoye, 2009) and inhibition of gastrointestinal absorption of glucose (Luka and Tijjani, 2013;Bajaj and Srinivasan, 1999;Pari et al, 2001).…”