Investigating the Anti-diabetic Effect of Leucaena leucocephala Linn. (Ipil-Ipil) Seed Extract on Albino Mice

The anti-diabetic effect of Leucaena leucocephala Linn. (Ipil-ipil) seed extract was demonstrated using the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) on albino mice as test animals. The researchers also wanted to identify the phytochemicals in the extract, determine its physical qualities, and compare its effects at three concentration levels with a positive control, a commercially manufactured anti-hyperglycemic drug. The chemical characteristics of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloid, flavonoid, saponin, tannin, and phenolic components, but no anthraquinone or steroid. The extract was orange in colour, had a pleasant flavour, had a pH of 5.44, and was found to be miscible in water and acetone but not chloroform. The 50% level of extract was found to be the most successful in lowering blood glucose levels (BGL) in the experimental animals, whereas the pure extract (100% concentration) was found to be the least effective. However, there were no significant differences in BGL reductions between the concentration levels and the commercial drug. As a result, Leucaena leucocephala Linn clearly displays anti-diabetic properties comparable to those of the commercial anti-hyperglycemic medication Metformin.

Additional parts of the plant should be evaluated for anti-diabetic potential, taking into account the identification of other secondary metabolites that may be present in the plant components, as well as evaluating its other potential applications.