Effect of Residual Aqueous Portion of Hydro-methanolic Leaves Extract of Indigofera Pulchra on Blood Glucose Levels of Alloxan-induced Diabetic Wistar Rats

This aim of this study was to evaluate the hypoglycemic effect of residual aqueous portion of hydro-methanolic leaves extract of indigofera pulchra on blood glucose levels of alloxan-induced diabetes rats. Three doses of the extract (250,500 and 1000 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally. After 2, 4 and 6 h of extract administration there was no significant change in the blood glucose levels in all the three doses of the extract administered when compared to the control. Also after 8 and 24 hours of extract administration there was a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the blood glucose levels with the dose of 1000mg/kg the extract administered. In regard to the dose of 500mg/kg there was a significant decrease (p<0.05) after 24 h of extract administration. In relation to the reference drug there was a significant decrease (p<0.05) after 4, 8 and 24 h of administration when compared to control. The Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids and saponins. The median lethal dose (LDS0) in rats was calculated to be 2,154 mg/kg body weight. In conclusion the residual aqueous portion of hydromethanolic leaves extract of Indigofera pulchra possess anti-diabetic effect in alloxan- induced in diabetic rats.