Journal of Diabetic Complications & Medicine

In Vivo Antidiabetic Effect of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Azardirachta indica, A. juss in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Mice

Abstract

Arika WM, Nyamai DW, Agyirifo DS, Ngugi MP and Njagi ENM

There is growing interest in the potential of plant remedies to treat and manage many diseases owing to the adverse side effects, unavailability and unaffordability associated with the conventional therapy. Among the traditional plants that has been prescribed for clinical use for many ailments including diabetes mellitus is Azardirachta indica. Their continued use is largely based on their long-term therapeutic effects although this has not been authenticated scientifically. This study therefore, aims to evaluate the in vivo hypoglycemic effect of aqueous leaf extracts of A. indica in alloxan-induced white male albino mice. The blood glucose lowering effect of the extract was intraperitoneally and orally bioscreened in diabetic mice in serial dilutions of the extract at 25 mg/kgbwt, 48.4 mg/kgbwt, 93.5 mg/kgbwt, 180.9 mg/kgbwt and 350 mg/kgbwt. Qualitative analysis of phytochemicals was done using standard procedures. In both routes, the extract lowered blood glucose at all dosages in a dose independent manner. The extracts contained flavonoids, tannins, sterols, saponins, anthraquinones and alkaloids. The antidiabetic activity may be attributable to these phytochemicals present in the plant extract. The study confirms the traditional use of this plant part in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. However, organic solvent extraction of the leaves of this plant should be done to compare effects of both organic and aqueous fractions.