Abstract:
The hypoglycaemic activity of a crude acetone extract of the root bark of Euclea
undulata var. myrtina was evaluated in a streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced type 2
diabetes rat model after positive results were obtained by in vitro screening of glucose
utilization by C2C12 myocytes, 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and Chang liver cells and
alpha-glucosidase inhibition.
Thirty male Wistar rats were used for the experiment. Type 2 diabetes was induced by
a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin and administration of nicotinamide
15 minutes after. Animals exhibiting fasting glucose levels of 140-200 mg/dl after 7
days were screened as type 2 diabetes. Extract was administered for 21 days orally at
a concentration of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg respectively. Glibenclamide (1mg/kg)
was used as positive control. On day 21, blood lipid profiles and body weight were
determined by using standard enzymatic colorimetric kits before the rats were
sacrificed by cervical decapitation.
The crude acetone extract of E. undulata root bark at a concentration of 100mg/kg
body weight significantly lowered fasting blood glucose levels as well as elevated
cholesterol and triglyceride levels to near normal without any weight gain. The results indicate that the crude acetone root bark extract of E. undulata exhibit
antidiabetic acitivity in type 2 induced diabetic rats. It confirms the in vitro screening
results as well as its use in the treatment of diabetes by traditional healers and
herbalists in southern Africa.
