The Journal of Phytopharmacology, 2015;4(1):30-33 DOI:10.31254/phyto.2015.4106

Research Article

Hypoglycemic effect of Helichrysum odoratissimum in alloxan induced diabetic mice

Joan Murugi Njagi¹ , Mathew Piero Ngugi² , Cromwell Mwiti Kibiti³ , Joseph Ngeranwa² , Wilson Njue⁴ , Peter Gathumbi⁵ , Eliud Njagi²

Joan Murugi Njagi,Mathew Piero Ngugi,Cromwell Mwiti Kibiti,Joseph Ngeranwa,Wilson Njue,Peter Gathumbi,Eliud Njagi

1. Department of Environmental Health, Kenyatta University, P.O. Box 43844-00100 Nairobi, Kenya
2. Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kenyatta University, P.O. Box 43844-00100 Nairobi, Kenya
3. Department of Pure and Applied Sciences, Technical University of Mombasa, P.O Box 90420-80100 Mombasa, Kenya
4. Department of Chemistry, Kenyatta University, P.O. Box 43844-00100 Nairobi, Kenya
5. Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00625 Nairobi, Kenya

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a disease of antiquity with worrying global incidence and prevalence. Conventional management and/or treatment interventions have been hampered by drawbacks like high costs, inaccessibility, likelihood of potential adverse and toxic effects among others. Use of antidiabetic phytodrugs has been on the rise, particularly in the developing countries, perhaps due to cost implications and accessibility advantages. In this study, an aqueous leaf extract of the medicinal plant Helichrysum odoratissimum was bioscreened for their hypoglycemic potential in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Three dose ranges were used viz; 50 mg/kgbwt, 100 mg/kgbwt and 150 mg/kgbwt. Results indicate that the extract appreciably lowered blood glucose level in the diabetic mice. The glucose lowering potency of this extract was dose dependent. Preliminary in vivo toxicity assessment revealed that the plant has no discernible toxicity on the major organs of the study animals. The study results confirm the folklore reports from traditional medical practitioners that the extract has safe bioactivity against diabetes mellitus. It avails an impetus for further bioscreening efforts with a view to the development of more hypoglycemic agents in future.