EVALUATION OF ANTI-HYPERGLYCEMIC EFFECT OF AQUEOUS LEAF EXTRACT OF ANISOPUS MANNII (N.E BR) IN ALLOXAN-INDUCED DIABETIC MICE

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia due

to defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both.

Aim: The research aimed at evaluating the anti-hyperglycemic effect of aqueous leaf extract of

Anisopus mannii alone and in combination with metformin in alloxan-induced diabetic mice.

Methodology: Phytochemical screening of the extract was carried out according to the methods of

Trease and Evans. The LD50 of the extract was determined using OECD Guideline 425. The anti

hyperglycemic effect of the extract was evaluated using the method of Goldener and Gomori.

Hyperglycemia was induced by the injection of 150mg/kg of 0.5% alloxan monohydrate in mice. The

study was conducted on seven groups of six rats each (n =6). Group I rats were non-diabetic

(administered distilled water); while alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats were assigned accordingly to

the remaining six groups. Group II rats served as diabetic control and were administered normal saline

(1 mL/kg). Groups III, IV and V were hyperglycemic rats treated with Anisopus manni extract at doses

of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg respectively. Group VI (positive control) were hyperglycemic rats treated

with metformin (250 mg/kg). We then added Group VII to observe the anti-hyperglycemic effect of

this extract in combination with metformin. The doses were administered orally daily to the various

groups for 28 days. Blood glucose levels, food and water consumption were taken for each Group at

the end of Day 7, 14, 21 and 28 of the experiment.

Results: The extract contained alkaloids, carbohydrates, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, saponin,

tannins, terpenes and steroids. Anthraquinones were absent. The LD50 of the extract was estimated to

be greater than 5000 mg/kg. There were significant (p<0.05) dose-dependent reductions in blood

glucose levels in the extract treated groups when compared to diabetic control group. There were also

significant reductions (p<0.05) in food and water intake in the treatment groups when compared to the

diabetic control group.

Conclusion: Aqueous leaf extract of Anisopus manni possess significant anti-hyperglycemic effect in

alloxan-induced diabetic mice supporting its traditional use in treatment of diabetes mellitus. Further

studies are recommended for isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds responsible for the

anti-hyperglycemic activity as well as the possible mechanism(s) of action.