Evaluation of Hypoglycaemic Efficacy of Aqueous Seed Extract of Aframomum melegueta in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

The hypoglycaemic efficacy of aqueous seed extract of Aframomum melegueta was investigated in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Twenty five albino rats (Rattus novergicus, average weight: 150g) were randomly divided into five groups of five (5) rats each. For the diabetic group, diabetes mellitus was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 5% solution of alloxan at a dose of 150 mg/kg body weight. Diabetes was confirmed 72 hours after alloxan injection if fasting blood glucose (FBG) was ≥ 10 mmol/l. Two control groups: non-diabetic (positive) and diabetic (negative) were administered tap water as vehicle solvent, throughout the duration of the experiment. The remaining three groups received 100 mg/kg of metformin, 200 and 400 mg/kg orally and aqueous seed extract of Aframomum melegueta respectively and simultaneously. Fasting blood glucose was evaluated daily. The results showed that oral administration of aqueous extract of A. melegueta to diabetic rats lowered blood glucose to normal level within 6 days of administration, while metformin took 14 days. There was no significant difference in the duration of lowering the blood glucose by the two doses of extract administered. In conclusion, oral administration of aqueous seed extract of Aframomum melegueta has potent hypoglycaemic activity in alloxanised diabetic rats.