The Antidiabetic Activity of an Aqueous Root Extract of Annona stenophylla Engl. and Diels in Non-diabetic Control and Alloxan-induced Diabetic rats

Abstract

The antidiabetic activity of an aqueous root extract of Annona stenophylla Engl. and Diels, (Annonaceae) (100 mg/kg b.wt) in non-diabetic control and alloxan-induced diabetic rats (Alloxan monohydrate, 120 mg/kg b.wt) was investigated after inducing hyperglycaemia (OGTT, glucose 3 g/kg b.wt) in fasted male Sprague dawley rats. The rats were randomised into groups (n=6) and underwent oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) as well as a 28 day subchronic repeated treatment with root plant extract (100 mg/kg b.wt), glibenclamide (2.5 mg/kg i.p) and insulin (200 μg/kg b.wt) subcutaneously. Blood glucose levels for OGTT were measured at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 150 mins after treatments. Food consumption, body weight, blood glucose and serum insulin levels (ELISA) were then measured for 4 weeks. Annona stenophylla decreased the glucose levels of alloxan-diabetic, diabetic and non-diabetic control rats in the OGTT study. The aqueous root extract, glibenclamide and insulin were antihyperglycaemic in the long term study (4 weeks) and insulin levels were higher at the end compared to controls. A. stenophylla may have potential as an antidiabetic herb and the study supports its traditional use in the management of diabetes.