Comparative Hypoglycemic Effects of Three Nigerian Medical Plants, Gongronema latifolium, Vernonia amygdalina and Viscum album on Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Mice

Abstract

A study was carried out to determine the comparative hypoglycemic effects of three Nigerian medicinal plants; Gongronema latifolium, Vernonia amygdalina and Viscum album on alloxan – induced diabetic mice. Oral administration of 100mg/dl of alloxan monohydrate produced diabetic condition in normal albino mice, which increased blood glucose level from 60.5 + 5 mg/dl to156 + 5mg/dl, among others. The leaf extracts of G. latifolium, V. album, V. amygdalina and the combination of the 3 plant extracts had lowering effects on the blood glucose levels of the alloxan induced diabetic mice. This was done by reactivating and restoring the action of the beta-cells of the islet langerherns, which resumed their insulin production. The leaf extract of V. amygdalina and the combined extract became active within first hour of administration, while G. latifolium and V. album became effective in the second hour. The combined extract had more lowering effect on the blood glucose level of the diabetic mice than the other extracts. The glucose-lowering action of the three plant extracts and their combined extracts support their usage in the local treatment of diabetes.