EVALUATION OF THE ANTI DIABETIC ACTIVITY OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF ANCHOMANES DIFFORMIS (ARACEAE) LEAVES IN ALBINO RATS

Abstract

The leaves of Anchomanes difformis are used in traditional medicine to promote health in the ageing. This study investigated the antidiabetic activity of the ethanol extract of the leaves of Anchomanes difformis in albino rats. Diabetes was induced by intra-peritoneal injection of 160 mg/kg of alloxan monohydrate. Plant extract (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) was administered orally and blood glucose levels were monitored at 2 hourly intervals and daily for 14 days. The ^LD50 ^{was found to be greater than 5000 mg/kg. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of tannins, phlobatannins and alkaloids, flavonoids, reducing} sugars, saponins and cardiac glycosides. The two doses of the extract produced a statistically significant reduction of fasting blood glucose levels during the acute study and prolonged treatment for 14 days when compared to glibenclamide and the negative controls. The plant extract seems to possess a dose- dependent anti diabetic effect. Further studies will be done to evaluate the toxicological effects of this plant extract.