Abstract
This study evaluates the chemical composition and anti-diabetic properties of fresh and shade dried Jatropha curcas aqueous leaves extracts (JCLE) on alloxan induced diabetic female wistar rats. Seven (7) kg of J. curcas leaves were pulverized and aqueous extracts produced. Thirty five (35) mature female rats were grouped into seven of five animals per group according to their body weights. Blood samples were collected for baseline data before inducing diabetes. Various groups of rats were fed graded doses (100, 200 and 300 mg of JCLE, respectively. Blood glucose was tested every seven days using glucometer. The animals were treated for 21 days with JCLE, blood samples were collected for liver enzyme function test, liver and pancreas tissues collected for histopathology. The results obtained were analysed statistically using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan Multiple range student test. Result shows that proximate composition of JCLE had higher protein, fat and carbohydrate concentrations in shade dried than the fresh samples. The vitamin, mineral and phytochemical compositions varied but higher in shade dried JCLE also than the fresh. Rats treated had significant (p<0.05) reduction in blood glucose level. Liver enzymes was higher with shade dried JCLE. The current study provides some useful insight into the anti-hyperglycemic potency of JCLE in alloxan induced diabetics and seems to repair some organs damages. Key words: Blood glucose, Jatropha curcus, liver enzymes, diabetic.  
Highlights
In Sub-Saharan Africa, there is a growing need to fight the scourge of diabetes among the populace
Access to primary health care is low, diabetic patients tend to fight this disease through natures endowed plant resources
This study demonstrates hypoglycaemic effect on the fasting blood glucose level of the rats (Table 6) and had significant (p < 0.05) increase in the blood glucose levels after induction with 150 mg/kg alloxan
Summary
In Sub-Saharan Africa, there is a growing need to fight the scourge of diabetes among the populace. Access to primary health care is low, diabetic patients tend to fight this disease through natures endowed plant resources. Prevalence and burden of type 2 diabetes are rising quickly and may be due to the rapid uncontrolled urbanization, environmental degradation and major changes in lifestyle of the people This increase presents a substantial public health and socioeconomic burden in the face of scarce resources. There is a concomitant increase in alternative but cheaper means of treating this disease condition among the rural and low economic income earners.
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