Reduce Blood Sugar Levels Research Articles

Effect of gamma linolenic acid pretreatment on diabetic neuropathy in rats

Background: The present study was planned to evaluate the preventive effects of gamma linolenic acid (GLA) on STZ induced diabetic neuropathy Methods: Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic neuropathy in rats was monitored by measuring blood sugar levels, body weight, motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) and nociception. Forty rats were divided into 4 groups of 10 each. Group 1: control (vehicle), Group 2: STZ (50 mg/kg, i.v., single injection), Group 3: Gamma linolenic acid (50 mg/ kg, p.o., daily + STZ), Group 4: STZ + Insulin (4 units/kg, s.c., bid). Similar protocol was used for other parameters also. Results: Gamma linolenic acid pretreatment failed to reduce blood sugar levels in diabetic rats but prevented deterioration of motor nerve conduction velocity as compared to STZ diabetic rats. A significant weight gain was observed in STZ diabetic rats pretreated with GLA as compared to rats received STZ alone. Hyperalgesia induced by STZ was antagonized by GLA Conclusions: Thus gamma linolenic acid prevents the development of neuropathic changes induced by STZ in rats.

Development, Optimization & Evaluation of Porous Chitosan Scaffold Formulation of Gliclazide for the Treatment of Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus

In order to achieve high bioactivity, low systemic side effects and prevention of high critical hypoglycaemic conditions of antidiabetic drugs in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, sustained and controlled delivery system is crucial. In this study, a three-dimensional (3-D) porous scaffold formulation was developed with the ability to release antidiabetic drugs in a controlled fashion. The gliclazide (GLZ), was successfully incorporated into prefabricated 3-D porous matrix chitosan scaffolds using a freeze-drying method. Porosity, swelling, water absorption and drug entrapment efficiency was increased after the addition of PEG 4000. The release kinetics of GLZ from two different (2% and 3%) chitosan scaffold formulations investigated showed sustained and controlled delivery of GLZ. The GLZ release is strongly dependent upon the physical and chemical properties of the chitosan and PEG 4000. Scaffold with 3% chitosan discharge GLZ rapidly with a high initial burst release while scaffold with 2% chitosan can extend the release of GLZ to longer than 2 weeks with a low initial burst release. Compared to chitosan alone, the PEG 4000 incorporated on a 3-D scaffold had significantly reduced the initial burst release. In-vivo antidiabetic tests of chitosan (2%)-PEG (1.5%) scaffold formulation demonstrated its ability to reduce blood sugar level for a prolonged duration (7 days). From this study, we concluded that, versatile carrier system i.e. porous scaffold formulation is effective for the delivery of GLZ for diabetes mellitus and maintain the concentration levels over a prolonged period of time, when compared against the free drug.

Antidiabetic activity of Rosmarinus officinalis and its relationship with the antioxidant property

Oxidative stress plays an important role in diabetic pathogenesis. Rosmarinus officinalis L. was first used as an antioxidant agent for inhibition of diabetic nephropathy. Oxidative stress induced by Streptozotocin (STZ) has been shown to damage pancreatic beta cell and produce hyperglycemia in rats. In the present study, an attempt was made to examine the action of R. officinalis against experimental diabetes as well as the antioxidant potential of the leaf extract. Water extract of R. officinalis (200 mg/kg body weight for 21 days) was found to be significantly reducing the blood sugar level. The oxidative stress produced by Streptozotocin was found to be significantly lowered when compared to control rats. This was evident from a significant decrease in blood sugar level and oxidative stress makers including serum TBARS and nitric oxide (NO). Serum enzymatic (glutathione transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and non enzymatic antioxidants (vitamin C and reduced glutathione) were found to be increased by the administration of R. officinalis. These results indicate that R. officinalis extract effectively reduced the oxidative stress induced by Streptozotocin and potential reduction in blood sugar level. Key words: Diabetes, hypoglycemia, oxidative stress, antioxidant enzymes, Streptozotocin,Rosmarinus officinalis L.

Efek Antidiabetes dan Identifikasi Senyawa Dominan Fraksi Kloroform Herba Ciplukan (Physalis angulata L.)

Antidiabetic activity of ciplukan (Physalis angulata L.) herb has been widely observed, as an extracts and infusions, proven to reduce blood sugar levels in rats or mice induced by alloxan. The research objective was to evaluate the antidiabetic effect and identify the content of the chloroform fraction ciplukan herb eluated with methanol-ammonia. An- tidiabetic effects testing conducted using 30 male white mice (Mus musculus) ddY strain were divided into 6 groups, each consisting of 5 mice. K-1 is a negative control induced by alloxan, K-2, K-3 and K-4 induced by alloxan and treated with the test substance dose of 50 mg/kg bw/day, 100 mg/ kg bw/day, 200 mg/kg bw/day, K-5 is a positive control, induced by alloxan and treated with metformin dose of 65 mg/kg bw, K-6 as normal controls . Each mouse blood samples taken on day 7 and day 14, to test their blood sugar levels. Data were analyzed using one-way anova and multiple differences test. Identification of the content of the chloroform fraction eluated with methanol-ammonia, carried out by gas chroma- tography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results showed that all three doses showed a decrease in blood sugar levels significantly at day 7 , but the decline has not reach normal levels. Blood sugar levels drop significantly and the decline has reached normal occurred on day 14. Dominant content of the chloroform fraction eluated with methanol-ammonia is a class of unsaturated fatty acid chain length is Hexanoic acid, C16H1202, hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, C17H3402, 9-octadecenoic acid methyl ester, C19H3602, Oleic acid butyl ester, C22H4202, 9-octadecenoic acid, C19H3602, Octadecanoic acid, C18H3602, 1,2-Benzendicarboxylic acid, C8H604, and Aplysterylacetate, C31H5202. Another result is that Nordextromethorphan alkaloid compound, Cl 7H23NO. The conclusion is chloro- form fraction of ciplukan herb has antidiabetic effects and has a class of compounds con- tent of unsaturated fatty acids, Aplysterylacetate and alkaloid Nordextromethorphan.

Evaluation of Anti–Inflammatory, Anti–diabetic activity of Indian Bauhinia vahlii (stembark)

ObjectiveTo evaluate the anti–inflammatory and antidiabetic property of Bauhinia vahlii (stem bark) with preliminary phytochemical profile of the extracts. MethodsThe dried whole plant material (1 400 g) was packed in soxhlet apparatus and extracted successively with Pet. Ether (PE) to defat the drug, petroleum ether was removed from the powdered defatted drug which was then extracted with benzene (BE), chloroform(CE) and 95% of Ethanol (EE) as increasing polarity and all extracts screened for anti–inflammatory and antidiabetic activity using carrageenan induced paw edema and streptozotacin induced diabetic respectively. The toxicity and phytochemical screening were done using standard procedure. ResultThe preliminary phytochemical tests revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phytosterol, phenolic compounds, and glycoside. While carbohydrates, protein, gums and amino acids were absent. The acute toxicity study of various extracts of Bauhinia vahlii was conducted and dose of 353 mg/kg is fixed for anti–inflammatory and antidiabetic perperty. The pet ether, chloroform and ethanolic extract of Bauhinia vahlii significantly decreased the paw edema induced by carrageenin in rats at a dose of 353 mg/kg comparable to standard ibuprofen (100 mg/kg). Similarly in case of antidiabetic property, the ethanolic and chloroform extract of Bauhinia vahlii at a dose level 353 mg/kg, showed significant reduction in blood sugar level from 2 to 24 h in progressive manner comparable to standard glibenclamide (5mg/kg).

Effect of walking (aerobic isotonic exercise) on physiological variants with special reference to Prameha (diabetes mellitus) as per Prakriti

Walking is an isotonic aerobic exercise and has been associated with reduced blood sugar level in diabetic patients and other physiological changes in observational studies. A study was conducted to determine the effect of isotonic aerobic exercise (walking) on blood sugar level and other important physiological parameters as per Prakriti. This study was carried out in Department of Kriya Sharira and Kayachikita, S. S. Hospital; Faculty of Ayurveda, IMS, BHU and some cases were enrolled from Kashi Mumukshu Bhawan, Assi, Varanasi. A total 83 (32 diabetic control and 51 diabetic exercise) diabetic cases were included with age ranging from 35 to 65 years during January 2009 to January 2011. Control cases enrolled in this study had not performed any exercise. The results of the study revealed that, there is a strong association in between Prakriti, Blood pressure and certain other Biochemical parameters.

Effects of crude extracts and fractions of Moringa stenopetala (Baker f) Cufodontis leaves in normoglycemic and alloxan-induced diabetic mice

Moringa stenopetala leaves are traditionally employed for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in Ethiopia. Previous studies confirmed that the aqueous crude extract of the leaves of this plant and fractions isolated from these extracts have hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic effects. Whether the active components are also present in the ethanol extract and its fractions, however, have not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of M. stenopetala leaves ethanol crude extracts and its fractions in healthy and alloxan induced diabetic mice. For single dose hypoglycemic test, normoglycemic mice were given 300 mg/kg of ethanol extract, aqueous extract, petroleum fraction, chloroform fraction, butanol fraction, aqueous residue, glibenclamide (0.66 mg/kg) and distilled water (10 ml/kg) intraperitoneally (i.p). Similarly, for single dose anti-hyperglycemic study, alloxan induced diabetic mice were given the same dose of test substances. For the repeated dose anti-hyperglycemic investigation, diabetic mice were given 300 mg/kg of ethanol extract, aqueous extract, chloroform fraction, butanol fraction, glibenclamide (0.66 mg/kg)) and distilled water (10 ml/kg) through i.p route. The results of single dose hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic studies indicated that extracts, chloroform fraction, butanol fraction and aqueous residue reduced blood glucose level significantly within the treatment period. The repeated dose of both extracts as well as chloroform and butanol fractions also reduced blood sugar level of diabetic mice significantly. The present findings, therefore, hints that the ethanol extract as well as its chloroform and butanol fractions might also have active principles responsible for antidiabetic effect which confirms the claim for the traditional antidiabetic use of M. stenopetala. Key words: Moringa stenopetala, diabetes mellitus, hypoglycemic effect, antihyperglycemic effect, normoglycemic, alloxan.

Large-Volume Liposuction and Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes: A Preliminary Report

This report presents a preliminary study investigating the effects of large-volume liposuction on the parameters that determine type 2 diabetes. The study enrolled 31 patients with a body mass index (BMI) exceeding 30kg/m(2) over a 1-year period. All the liposuction procedures were performed with the patient under local anesthesia using ketamine/valium sedation. Pre- and postoperative blood pressure, fasting glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C), weight, and BMI were evaluated for 16 of the 30 patients who returned for a follow-up visit 3 to 12months postoperatively. The average aspirate was 8,455ml without dermolipectomy and 5,795ml with dermolipectomy. The data reveal a trend of improvement in blood sugar levels associated with weight loss that helps the patients. The average blood sugar level dropped 18% in our return patients, and the average weight loss was 9.2%. The average drop in BMI was 6.2%, and HbA1C showed a decrease of 2.3%. The patients with the best weight loss had the best reduction in blood sugar level and blood pressure. No transfers to the hospital and no thromboebolism occurred for any of the 31 patients. One dehiscence, two wound infections, and three seromas were reported. The authors hypothesize that large-volume liposuction in their series may have motivated some to diet, which could be explored in a larger series with control groups. Liposuction alone did not improve obesity but helped to motivate some of the patients to lose weight. These patients had the best results.

Patient-Centered Medicine

What matters most to patients are outcomes: Did I recover? Is my quality of life better? Patients want to know what has been accomplished by the tests and treatments they have undergone and what has been achieved by the time and resources that have been expended. It is time for us to fully embrace patient-centered medicine, which is ultimately outcomes oriented, with a focus on what patients experience and, among the range of medically reasonable options, gives precedence to what patients prefer. The practice of medicine has evolved from supposition-based to science- and evidence-based, often extrapolating laboratory science to the bedside. However, studies that include patient outcomes are showing, with discomforting frequency, that strategies once considered optimal often fall short of their promise when success is defined as an improvement in what the patient experiences.1–4 Intermediate end points are not a primary concern for patients. Surrogate end points matter only to the extent that they convey information to the patient about the effects of an intervention.5 Unfortunately, surrogate end points have limitations in their ability to convey this information.6 There are gaps between expectations fostered by basic science and what happens to patients. Knowledge of human physiology and pathophysiology does not always reveal which strategies will improve the likelihood that a particular patient will achieve better outcomes. Changes in risk factors do not always change patient risk in predictable ways. For example, rosiglitazone, which effectively reduced blood sugar levels in patients with …

Antidiabetic Activity of Basella rubra and its Relationship with the Antioxidant Property

Oxidative stress induced by streptozotocin (STZ) has been shown to damage pancreatic beta cell and produce hyperglycemia in rats. In the present study an attempt was made to examine the action of Basella rubra against experimental diabetes as well as the antioxidant potential of the leaf extract. Aqueous extract of Basella rubra (400mg/kg body weight for 30 days) was found to significantly reduce the blood sugar level. The oxidative stress produced by streptozotocin was found to be significantly lowered when compared to control rats. This was evident from a significant decrease in blood sugar level and increased level of liver enzymatic (Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx)) and non enzymatic antioxidants (vitamin C, E and reduced glutathione). These results indicate that Basella rubra extract effectively reduced the oxidative stress induced by streptozotocin and potential reduction in blood sugar level.

Effect of lacidipine pre-treatment on diabetic neuropathy in rats

Objective: The present study was planned to evaluate the effects of lacidipine on STZ induced diabetic neuropathy.Material and methods: Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic neuropathy in rats was monitored by measuring blood sugar levels, motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV), nociception and histopathology of tibial nerve. Forty rats were divided in to four groups of 10 each. Group I: Control (vehicle). Group II: STZ (50mg/kg, iv, single injection). Group III: Lacidipine (0.5 mg/kg, po, daily + STZ). Group IV: STZ + insulin (4 unit/kg, sc, bid). Similar protocol was used for other parameters also.Results: Lacidipine pre-treatment failed to reduce blood sugar levels in diabetic rats but prevented deterioration of motor nerve conduction velocity as compared to STZ diabetic rats. Hyperalgesia induced by STZ was antagonized by lacidipine. Histology of nerve showed less structural damage in lacidipine pre-treated group.Discussion and conclusion: Thus, lacidipine prevents the development of neuropathic changes induced by STZ in rats.

Hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic effects of fractions from kolaviron, a biflavonoid complex from Garcinia Kola in streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus rats

In the search for natural hypoglycaemic agents as alternatives to synthetic ones that are expensive and not easily accessible, and to justify the use of Garcinia kola seeds in traditional African medicine to treat diabetes, the hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic effects of fractions from kolaviron (KV) (a Garcinia kola seed extract) were investigated in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats. KV, a biflavonoid complex from Garcinia kola seed, was separated by thin-layer chromatography into three fractions; Fraction I (FI), Fraction II (FII) and Fraction III (FIII) with RF values of 0.48, 0.71 and 0.76, respectively. In normoglycaemic rats, KV, FI and FII administered at a dose of 100 mg kg(-1) body weight elicited significant (P < 0.05) hypoglycaemic activity within 4 h of oral administration. Precisely, KV, FI and FII decreased blood glucose levels of normoglycaemic rats by 66%, 50% and 61%, respectively, when compared with controls 30 min after oral administration of the extracts. In hyperglycaemic rats, KV, FI and FII significantly (P < 0.05) reduced blood sugar levels in STZ-diabetic rats within 4 h of oral administration. Furthermore, KV alone produced a significant (P < 0.05) anti-diabetic effect from day 3 to day 7 of oral intubation of STZ-diabetic rats. In addition, the extracts showed favourable effect on the plasma lipid profile of STZ-diabetic rats, and also decreased significantly (P < 0.05) the STZ-induced increase in the activity of microsomal glucose-6-phosphatase and lipid peroxidation (LPO) products. This study confirms the anti-diabetic and hypolipidaemic effects of KV in STZ-diabetic rats. These observed effects of KV are attributed to two of its fractions, FI and FII, with RF values of 0.48 and 0.71, respectively.

女子学生における牛乳の脂肪量による食後高血糖抑制効果の検討

It is well known that milk and dairy products have an effect of controlling the rise of blood sugar level after eating, but the effective ingredients have not previously been analyzed. We compared and analyzed the blood sugar reaction after eating a diet with milk containing different amounts of milk fat. The results show that, by combining rice with milk, the reduction of blood sugar level tended to be more rapid. The insulin response was significantly high with all types of milk. The glycemic index (GI) was significantly decreased in combination with low-fat milk, mixed milk, and high-fat milk, but there was no significant effect in combination with no-fat milk. Although there was a small effect on the fall of GI with no-fat milk, suggesting the participation of an ingredient other than milk fat, it seems that the presence of fat in milk increased the relaxation action of the milk on the blood sugar rise.

A Case of Prolonged Hypoglycemia Post Topiramate Treatment an Anti-convulsant, in a Type 2 Diabetic Patient

Topiramate is a drug used to treat epilepsy, and is known for its effects including reduced appetite resulting in lower body weight, and the lowering of neutral fat. In addition, topiramate is known to reduce blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity and by increasing insulin secretion by glucose stimulation. The authors report a case of persistent hypoglycemia, in a patient who had been administrating topiramate, as a treatment for epilepsy following an episode of cerebral infarction. (J Korean Endocr Soc 24:277~280, 2009)

Hypoglycemic effect of Treculia africana Decne root bark in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

The solvent partitioned purified fractions of the hydro-acetone root bark extract of the African breadfruit (Treculia africana Decne) were evaluated for hypoglycemic activities in normal and diabetic albino rats. Fasting blood glucose levels were estimated by the use of a glucometer at pre-determined intervals after oral administration of the test extracts/fractions. Results revealed that the test fractions have only a slight effect on blood sugar level of normal rats. On short term and chronic administration in diabetic rats however, diethyl ether-soluble (DEF) and the water-soluble (WSF) fractions significantly reduced the fasting blood sugar levels (p<0.05) at differing rates when compared with the control group of animals. The diethyl ether soluble fraction (10 mg kg(-1) dose level) was found to exhibit the highest activity giving 69.4% reduction in blood sugar level (at 240 hours) which was in comparable range with the reference standard glibenclamide (0.5 mg kg(-1)) which reduced blood sugar levels by 65.8% below the initial baseline values.

Chlorpropamide treatment restores the reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema and pleural exudate volume in diabetic rats

Knowing that hyperglycemia is a hallmark of vascular dysfunction in diabetes and that neonatal streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (n-STZ) present reduced inflammatory response, we decided to evaluate the effect of chlorpropamide-lowered blood glucose levels on carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and pleural exudate in n-STZ. Diabetes was induced by STZ injection (160 mg/kg, ip) in neonates (2-day-old) Wistar rats. n-STZ diabetic rats were treated with chlorpropamide (200mg/kg, 15d, by gavage) 8 weeks after STZ injection. Carrageenan-induced paw edema and pleural exudate volumes were assessed concomitantly with peripheral and exudate leukocyte count. We also evaluated the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in lungs of all experimental groups. Chlorpropamide treatment improved glucose tolerance, beta-cell function (assessed by HOMA-beta), corrected paw edema, and pleural exudate volume in n-STZ. Neither leukocyte count nor iNOS expression were affected by diabetes or by chlorpropamide treatment. Chlorpropamide treatment by restoring beta-cell function, reducing blood sugar levels, and improving glucose tolerance might be contributing to the correction of the reduced inflammatory response tested as paw edema and pleural exudate in n-STZ diabetic rats.

Effects of vaccination with heat shock proteins on streptozotocin induced diabetes in histidine decarboxylase knockout mice

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is an immune mediated disease in which heat shock proteins (hsps) may be involved in the development of the disease. Furthermore, vaccination with different hsps prevented the development of multiple low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) induced autoimmune diabetes in C57BL/KSJ mice. Histamine influences many aspects of the immune response, including Th1/Th2 balance and antibody production. Therefore, a study of diabetes-related immune processes was considered of interest in histidine decarboxylase knockout (HDC-KO) mice. The aim of our study was i) to characterize antibody production in response to vaccination with p277 or hsp65 in wild type (WT) BALB/c and HDC-KO mice, and ii) to establish a possible correlation between vaccination and the changes in the pattern of STZ diabetes. An ELISA was employed to measure the hsp65- and p277-specific antibody levels. To induce diabetes multiple low-dose of STZ was used. Vaccination with p277 and hsp65 altered the pattern of STZ diabetes both in HDC-KO and WT animals, characterized by a transient increase followed by sustained reduction of blood sugar levels as compared to controls. However, vaccination with hsp65 and p277 caused a significant anti-p277 and anti-hsp65 antibody level increase only in WT animals. Multiple low-doses of STZ were able to induce diabetes in HDC-KO mice and the development of diabetes was prevented by vaccination with hsps. This protection developed in spite of the fact that vaccination caused a significant antibody level increase only in WT animals. To explain the therapeutic effect of vaccination we need further examination of the HDC KO strain.

Potency of Piper crocatum Decoction as an Antihiperglycemia in Rat Strain Sprague dawley

Current researches for appropriate hypoglycemic agents focused on plants for traditional medicine. Traditionally in diabetic treatment, people used decoctions of Piper crocatum (Piperaceae). However, there is no phytochemical data of decoctions extract of P. crocatum. Hence, the aims of this study were to explore the phytochemical of P. crocatum decoctions and its antihyperglicemic activity. Fresh leaves of P. crocatum were boiled in water to obtain decoction and were examined phytochemical compounds by using Harbone assay. Antihyperglicemic activity of P. crocatum decoction extract was orally fed to alloxan induced diabetic rats. Results showed that P. crocatum decoction extract contained flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids. Ten days of daily treatment of various doses decoction extract of P. crocatum led to reduce blood sugar level by 10-38% and prevent fall in body weight level by 5-52%. This result showed the same activity as Daonil treatment, which was the diabetic drug. Hence, this extract showed antihyperglicemic activity in alloxan-induced diabetic rats and increasing of their body weight.

Wound-healing activity of Morinda citrifolia fruit juice on diabetes-induced rats

Morinda citrifolia L. is a traditional Polynesian medicinal plant which is apparently useful for bowel disorders, skin inflammation, infection, mouth ulcers and wound healing. This study aimed to evaluate the wound-healing activity of Morinda citrifolia fruit juice in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. An excision wound model was used. The animals were weight-matched and placed into three groups (n = 6 per group). Group 1 animals served as normal controls, while animals in groups 2 and 3 served as diabetic controls and experimental diabetic animals respectively. All animals were anaesthetised and a full-thickness excision wound (circular area of 300 mm2 and 2 mm deep) was created. Group 3 animals were given the juice of Morinda citrifolia fruit (100 ml per kilogram of body weight) in their drinking water for 10 days. Wound area measurements were taken on days 1, 5 and 11. Blood samples were collected simultaneously for glucose measurement. Granulation tissue that had formed on the wound was excised on day 11 and processed for histological and biochemical analysis. The wound area of the Morinda citrifolia-treated group reduced by 73% (p < 0.001) when compared with the diabetic controls (63%). Significant increases in the weight of granulation tissue (p < 0.001) and hydroxyproline content (p < 0.00 1, 92.16 +/- 4.02) were observed. The protein content was moderately high. Histological studies showed that collagen was laid down faster in the experimental diabetic animals than in the normal control and diabetic control groups. Fasting blood glucose values in the diabetic experimental group had reduced by 29% (p < 0.00 1) compared with the diabetic control animals. There was a good correlation between the wound contraction rate and blood glucose values. This study demonstrates that the juice of Morinda citrifolia fruit significantly reduces blood sugar levels and hastens wound healing in diabetic rats.

Chloronquine upsets electrolyte balance in the rabbit

Chloroquine is still being used by some people for acute attack of malaria. The effect of long term chloroquine administration was studied on some blood parameters in the rabbits. This was undertaken to assess the study. After the acclimatization period, they were divided into a control group ‘A' and six experimental groups, B to G. The control group received distilled water for the period of treatment While the experimental groups ‘B' to ‘G' received a single dose, intramuscular injection of 10mg/kg body weight (kgw) of chloroquine phosphate, daily for 2, 4, 6, 8, 9 and 10 weeks respectively. At the end of the treatment, the animals were sacrificed using chloroform anesthesia. Blood was taken frosmthe heart by left ventricular cardiac puncture and analysed for urea while the serum was analysed for sodium, potassium, chloroquine and bicarbonate ions. From the results, it was observed that chloroquine administration reduced blood sugar level and potassium ions but increased sodium ion significantly. Bicarbonate ions, chloride and urea were not significantly affected. The results suggest that chloroquine administration upsets electrolyte balance, which may be implicated in heart block associated with long term chloroquine therapy. Keywords : chloroquine, urea, electrolytes and rabbits Mary Slessor Journal of Medicine Vol. 5(2) 2005: 13-16