Evaluation of Hypoglycemic Efficacy of Methanolic Extracts of Moringa Oleifera and Phyllanthus amarus in Diabetic Rats

Aims: This study was undertaken to determine the hypoglycemic efficacy of methanolic extracts of Moringa oleifera and Phyllanthus amarus in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Study Design: Experimental Animal Study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Osun State University, Osogbo Nigeria between September and March, 2013.

Methodology: Twenty four rats sorted into 4 groups were used for the study. Rats in control group (group 1) received distilled water while diabetes was induced in groups 2-4 rats by intraperitoneal administration of alloxan. Animals in groups 3 and 4 were treated with 500 mg/kg bw of methanolic leaf extract of Moringa oleifera and whole plant extract of Phyllanthus amarus respectively for 14 days while group 2 rats were left untreated. Serum glucose and total protein concentrations were measured in the rats after treatment.

Results: The two extracts reversed the alloxan-induced hyperglycaemic condition in rats as there was a significant reduction in blood glucose levels with Moringa oleifera having a more pronounced effect. Level of serum total protein was also significantly reduced in rats treated with the two extracts.

Conclusion: This study is a further scientific validation of the widely claimed use of Moringa oleifera and Phyllanthus amarus as useful ethnomedical treatment for diabetes mellitus.