Hypoglycemic Effect of Ocimum Lamiifolium in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Mice

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Date
2015Author
Arika, W.M.
Rachuonyo, H.O.
Muchori, A.N.
Lagat, R.C.
Mawia, A.M.
Wambani, J.R.
Wambua, F.K.
Nyamai, D.W.
Ogola, P.E.
Kiboi, N.G.
Ouko, R.O.
Njagi, S.M.
Muruthi, C.W.
Ngugi, M.P.
Njagi, E.N.M.
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Show full item recordAbstract
Plant remedies are the mainstay of treatment in underdeveloped regions owing to the side effects, unavailability
and unaffordability of the conventional therapy. Among the traditional plants that have been used as an alternative
therapy for diabetes mellitus is Ocimum lamiifolium, however, it has received limited scientific and medical evaluation
to assess its efficacy. In this study, the in vivo hypoglycemic activity of aqueous leaf extracts of this plant was
determined in male swiss white albino mice. The antidiabetic activity was screened in alloxan induced diabetic mice
using oral and intraperitoneal routes. The phytochemical composition was assessed using standard procedures. The
extract showed hypoglycemic activity at dose levels of 25, 48.4, 93.5, 180.9, and 350 mg/kg body weight. The extracts
contained tannins, sterols, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, and alkaloids. The observed hypoglycemic activity could
be associated with the phytochemicals present in this plant extract.