The Journal of Phytopharmacology, 2015;4(3):183-189 ; DOI:10.31254/phyto.2015.4310
Antihyperglycemic activity of Zanthoxylum chalybeum stem bark extract in diabetic rats
Kimani C.N1,2 , Mbaria J.M1 , Suleiman M2,3 , Gakuya D4 , Kiama S.G5
1. Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, P. O. Box 29053 - 00625, Nairobi, Kenya.
2. Department of NonCommunicable Diseases, Institute of Primate Research, P.O. Box 24481-00502, Nairobi, Kenya.
3. Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Mount Kenya University, P. O. Box 342-01000, Thika, Kenya.
4. Department of Clinical Studies, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053- 00625, Nairobi, Kenya.
5. Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology, University of Nairobi, P. O. Box 30197- 00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Zanthoxylum chalybeum Engl. (Rutaceae) stem bark is used by communities in Africa and Asia to manage diabetes mellitus. This study determined the anti-hyperglycemic effect of Z. chalybeum aqueous stem bark extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat. The plant was obtained from Machakos County, Kenya and a stem bark extract prepared. Rats were divided into experimental (n=5), negative control (n=5) and positive control groups (n=5). Diabetes was induced in each rat in experimental groups by a single dose intraperitoneal injection of Streptozotocin at 45mg/kg body weight. The plant extract was administered orally to the experimental rats at dosages of 10, 100 and 1000mg/kg body weight for 14 days. The negative control group was left untreated while the positive control group was treated orally with glibenclamide (10mg/kg body weight). The effect of the extract on blood glucose, body weight, food and water intake and oral glucose tolerance were determined in all rats in the experimental and control groups. The aqueous stem bark extract exhibited significant antidiabetic activity compared to the untreated diabetic controls (P
Diabetes mellitus, Zanthoxylum chalybeum, Streptozotocin.
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