Hypoglycaemic Effect of Leaves and Stem Bark of Adansonia Digitata (L) (Baobab) Ethanolic Extract in Alloxan-Induced Diabetes in Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of the ethanolic leaf extract of Adansonia digitata on blood glucose and some biochemical parameters in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Twenty-five Wistar rats were distributed into five groups of five animals each. Rats were administered alloxan (150 mg/kg) intraperitoneally and were monitored for 72hr for the development of hyperglycemia. Group 1 served as normal control, group 2, diabetic control, while Groups 3, 4 and were diabetic rats treated orally with ethanolic extract of Adansonia digitata (100mg/kg) daily for 21-days, while Group 5 were diabetic rats treated with anti-diabetic drug (glibenclamide). The blood glucose level and body weight were determined weekly for 21-days using Accu-Check Active glucometer and weighing balance. The result of the study indicated a significantly reduced blood glucose level and a significantly (p<0.05) reduced liver function parameters in alloxan-induced diabetic treated rats compared with normal control and diabetic control. However, there was no specific pattern of increase/decrease in the full blood count parameters. The presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids and steroids could be responsible for the effects elicited by the extract.