Anti diabetic Activity Of Ethanolic Seed Extract Of Corchorus olitorius

The ethanolic seed extract of Corchorus olitorius was studied to ascertain its possible antidiabetic effect. Corchorus olitorius seeds were pulverized to powder and Soxhlet extractor was used for extraction of the seed compound with ethanol. The study was carried out using normoglycaemic, glucose challenged and alloxan induced diabetic albino rats. The dose range tested for the extract was between 100- 1000mg/kg body weight of the rats. The effects were compared with a glibenclamide (0.2mg/kg) treatment and a normal saline treatment control groups. A repeat dose study was carried out for 14 days at a fixed dose of 500mg/kg and the glycosylated haemoglobin and insulin level determined. The ethanolic seed extract of Corchorus olitorius was found to contain alkaloids, tannins, flavanoids, glycocides, saponin, cardiac glycocides, anthraquinons, steroids and volatile oil. The extract significantly (p?0.01) reduced blood sugar levels in normoglycaemic, OGTT and diabetic rats. This was further supported by reduction in the glycosylated haemoglobin and increase in the insulin level determined. In Conclusion, the results of this study showed that the ethanolic seed extract of C.O has great potentials as an anti diabetic remedy due to the ability of the extract to lower blood glucose levels in normal rats, diabetic rats and also suppress postprandial rise in blood glucose levels