Effect of Aqueous-ethanolic Stem Bark Extract of Commiphora Africana on Blood Glucose Levels on Normoglycemic Wistar Rats

This study was undertaken to determine the hypoglycemic effect of Comm iphora africana (family: Burseraceae) stem bark aqueous-ethanolic extract in normoglycemic Wistar rats. In one set of experiment, graded doses of C. africana stem bark aqueous extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg p.o) were separately administered to groups of fasted normal rats. The hypoglycemic effect of C. africana stem bark aqueous ethanolic extract was compared with that of Metformin (250 mg/kg) in fasted normal rats. Following treatment, relatively moderate to high doses of C. africana (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg p.o) produced a dose-dependent, significant reduction (p<0.05) in blood glucose levels of fasted normal rats. Three doses of the extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) were administered orally. A significant decrease in the blood glucose levels after 5 and 7 day of administration with the doses of 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg was observed when compared to control. As regards to the dose of 100mg/kg there was no any significant decreased in the blood glucose levels when compared to control. The Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, steroids and saponins. The median lethal dose (LDS0) in rats was calculated to be 3807.8 mg/kg body weight. In conclusion the aqueous ethanolic extract of Commiphora africana possesses hypoglycemic activity in normoglycemic rats.