Antihyperglycaemic activity of aqueous leaf extract of Combretum micranthum (Combretaceae) in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate antidiabetic effect of the leaves of Combretum micranthum G. Don, a medicinal plant used for treating diabetes in Northwestern Nigeria.


METHODS
Three doses (100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg) of the aqueous leaf extract of Combretum micranthum were administered to normal glucose loaded, subdiabetic and diabetic rats.


RESULTS
Of the doses tested, 100mg/kg of the extract was the most effective. It produces a significant hypoglycaemic and antidiabetic activity comparable to the effect of standard drug (0.6 mg/kg glibenclemide).


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrated the potential antidiabetic property of aqueous leaf extract of Combretum micranthum thus justifying its traditional usage.
Chika
Aminu
A
Department of Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Ali Akilu Road, Sokoto, Nigeria. aminug3@yahoo.com
Bello
Shaibu Oricha
SO
D000496:Alloxan; D000818:Animals; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D029765:Combretum; D003921:Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005905:Glyburide / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018515:Plant Leaves; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012016:Reference Values
D001786:Blood Glucose; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts; D000496:Alloxan; D005905:Glyburide