EFFECT OF AQUEOUS LEAF EXTRACT OF OCIMUM GRATISSIMUM IN ALLOXAN-INDUCED DIABETIC WISTAR RATS

Luka, C. D; Onireti, J. O and Adoga, G. I

Department of Biochemistry

University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

The effect of aqueous extract of leaves of Ocimum gratissimum in alloxan- induced diabetes Wister rats was investigated. Sixteen (16) adult male albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (A-D). Group A and C were administered alloxan (150mg/kg) intraperitionally to induce diabetes in them. Groups A and Group B were later treated with the aqueous extract (400mg/kg) for 22 days, while groups C and D served as negative and positive controls respectively. The extract treated diabetic rats group showed  significant improvement in body weight  and the blood glucose levels decreased significantly (P< 0.05) when compared with the diabetic control group. Blood cholesterol and triglycerides level decreased significantly (P< 0.05) in diabetic rats group treated, except for the HDL-cholesterol level which increased when compared with the diabetic control group. The extract treated groups showed no significant difference (P>0.05) in AST and ALT activity when compared with the normal control group except for ALP activity which decreased when compared with the normal control. Also, PCV and RBC level increased significantly (P< 0.05) in diabetic rats group treated as compared with the diabetic control group untreated. This study showed that the leaf extract posses hypoglycaemic and hypocholesterolemic activity as claim by Nigerian traditional herbal medicine practitioners that Ocimum gratissimum leaves have hypoglycaemic properties.

keywords: Ocimum gratissimum, Diabetes mellitus, Alloxan, hypoglycaemia