ISSN 3428-1576
Global Journal of Cardiology Vol. 4 (5), pp. 001-004, May 2019. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Effects of aqueous leaves extract of Ocimum gratissimum on blood glucose levels of streptozocin-induced diabetic wistar rats
A. Mohammed1*, Y. Tanko1, M. A. Okasha1, R. A. Magaji2 and A. H.Yaro3
1Department of Human Physiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
2Department of Human Physiology, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria.
3Department of Pharmacology, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria.
Accepted 13 October, 2018
Abstract
The hypoglycemic effects of aqueous leaves extract of Ocimum gratisimum was investigated in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats. A single administration of the extract at the doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight was done. The aqueous extract at the dose of 500 mg/kg significantly lowered blood glucose level (P<0.05) of the diabetic rats by 81.3% after 24 h of extract administration. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of reducing sugars, cardiac glycosides, resin, tannins, saponins, glycosides, flavonoids, glycerin and steroids. The median lethal dose (LD50) in rats was calculated to be 1264.9 mg/kg body weight. In conclusion, the leaves extract of O. gratissmm possess antidiabetic in streptozocin-induced in diabetic rats.
Key words: Ocimum gratissimm, hypoglycemic activity, streptozocin diabetes.