Hypoglycaemic effects of the aqueous extract of Newbouldia laevis root in rats

Abstract

The effect of aqueous root extract of Newbouldia laevis (P. Beauv) of the family Bignoniaceae reportedly used in folk medicine to treat diabetes mellitus, on alloxan experimental hyperglycaemia, and normal blood glucose level was determined in adult male rats by glucose Oxidase method. The extract significantly reduced serum glucose levels in both diabetic and normal rats at the two doses administered (500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight; bucal intubation). In both the normal and diabetic rats, maximal blood glucose lowering effect following extract administration was observed after 4 h and 6 h, respectively, in rats given 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight extract. Phytochemical analysis of the extract reveals a strong presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins. The observed activity of the extract does not appear at variance with known antidiabetic properties of flavonoids. Hypoglycaemia could be a side effect when extract is applied in folk medical treatment of non-diabetic ailments.