Comparative Antidiabetic Effects of Leaf and Root Extracts of Tetracarpidium Conophorum and Oral Hypoglycaemic Agents on Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract: Diabetes arises from a deficient production of insulin by the β-cells of the pancreaticislets of Langerhans or improper utilization of insulin by target cells. Many traditionalist has recommended the use of Tetracarpidiumconophorum nuts in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, but the mechanism is not properly defined. This study was carried out to compare the antidiabetic effects of Tetracarpidiumconophorum with glibenclamide and metformin- standard oral antidiabetic agents- in order to ascertain its possible mode of action. Diabetes mellitus was induced by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan at a dose of 100mg/kg body weight. The rats were randomly divided into six groups (n=5). Group1 was normal control, group 2 diabetic control, group3 diabetic rats treated with root extract, group 4 diabetic rats treated with leaf extract, Group 5 diabetic rats treated with glibenclamide, group 6 diabetic rats treated with metformin. The results of this experiment indicated that extracts of the leaf and root of Tetracarpidiumconophorum significantly (p<0.05) reduced blood glucose level of alloxan-induced diabetic rats an