Evaluation of Hypoglycemic Efficacy of Methanolic Extracts of Moringa Oleifera and Phyllanthus amarus in Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Evaluation of Hypoglycemic Efficacy of Methanolic Extracts of Moringa Oleifera and Phyllanthus amarus in Diabetic Rats Aims: This study was undertaken to determine the hypoglycemic efficacy of methanolic extracts of Moringa oleifera and Phyllanthus amarus in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Study Design: Experimental Animal Study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Osun State University, Osogbo Nigeria between September and March, 2013. Methodology: Twenty four rats sorted into 4 groups were used for the study. Rats in control group (group 1) received distilled water while diabetes was induced in groups 2-4 rats by intraperitoneal administration of alloxan. Animals in groups 3 and 4 were treated with 500 mg/kg bw of methanolic leaf extract of Moringa oleifera and whole plant extract of Phyllanthus amarus respectively for 14 days while group 2 rats were left untreated. Serum glucose and total protein concentrations were measured in the rats after treatment. Results: The two extracts reversed the alloxan-induced hyperglycaemic condition in rats as there was a significant reduction in blood glucose levels with Moringa oleifera having a more pronounced effect. Level of serum total protein was also significantly reduced in rats treated with the two extracts. Conclusion: This study is a further scientific validation of the widely claimed use of Moringa oleifera and Phyllanthus amarus as useful ethnomedical treatment for diabetes mellitus.