Abstract
Powdered whole plant of Schwenckia americana (family Solanacae) is used traditionally (in combination with other herbs) for treating diabetes mellitus in Northern Nigeria. Therefore, in the current study, the traditional claim was evaluated by testing the effects of methanolic extract of S. americana whole plant on blood glucose in normal, alloxan-induced sub-diabetic and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The median lethal dose after oral administration of the extract in rats was found to be above 5,000 mg per kilogram of body weight. The extract significantly lowered blood glucose in normal and alloxan-induced subdiabetic rats but not in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. It is concluded that S. americana may reduce blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, thus vindicating the traditional claim of its antidiabetic property. Key words: Schwenckia americana, blood sugar, rats.
Highlights
Diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide, which is accompanied by high mortality and morbidity
Phytochemical analysis of the whole plant of methanolic extract of S. americana revealed the presence of saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids and cardiac glycosides
No significant hypoglycaemic effect was observed in alloxan-induced diabetic rats following the administration of the extract (Table 2)
Summary
Diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide, which is accompanied by high mortality and morbidity. The global prevalence of the disease is expected to rise from 6.4% (equivalent to 285 million people) in 2010 to 7.7% (equivalent to 439 million people) in 2030 (Shaw et al, 2010). Ancient records from the Ebers papyrus have indicated that traditional practices, the use of plants, have been applied by Man to treat diabetes mellitus as far back as 1550 BC. Such traditional approaches remain the only therapeutic option available prior to the discovery of insulin (Swanston et al, 1990). Despite availability of various drug options for its treatment, an ideal drug for the condition that is both effective and well tolerated is yet to be discovered, warranting continuing exploration of such possibility from the biodiversity of nature
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
