Evaluation of the Effect of Aqueous-methanolic Stem Bark Extract of Acacia polyacantha on Blood Glucose Levels of Alloxan Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats

This study was undertaken over a 24 h period to evaluate the hypoglycemic effect of aqueous-methanolic stem bark extract of Acacia polyacantha on blood glucose levels of alloxan-induced diabetes rats. Three doses of the extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) were administered p.o. There was a significant decrease in the blood glucose levels between 8th to 24th h after treatment with the dose of 400 mg/kg when compared with the control. Also after the 16th h of treatment there was a significant decrease in the blood glucose levels with the dose of 200 mg/kg when compared to control. As regards to the dose of 100 mg/kg there was no any significant decrease in the blood glucose levels when compared to control. The preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids,anthraquinones, tannins, flavonoids, steroids and saponins. The median lethal dose (LDS0) in rats was calculated to be 3.807.9 mg/kg body weight. In conclusion the aqueous methanolic stem bark extract of Acacia polyacantha possess anti-diabetic effect in alloxan- induced in diabetic rats.