COMPARATIVE EFFECT OF ANTI-DIABETIC PROPERTY OF THE AQUEOUS POLYHERBAL EXTRACT ON GLUCOSE AND SUCROSE TOLERANCE TEST IN STREPTOZOTOCIN INDUCED DIABETIC MALE RAT.

ABSTRACT

Polyherbal formulations are currently been used worldwide and have gained popularity due to their natural origin and low side effect. The formulation of polyherbals have increased therapeutic action and reduces the concentration of single herbs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the comparative effect of anti-diabetic property of the aqueous polyherbal extract on glucose and sucrose tolerance test in streptozotocin induced diabetic male rat. The plant materials for the study were collected and processed into polyherbal extract. Forty four male rats were divided into six groups: normal control, diabetic control, diabetic rats treated with a standard antidiabetic drug (positive control), and three groups of diabetic rats treated with varying doses of aqueous polyherbal extract. The method used for glucose and sucrose tolerance test were evaluated using established method.  The result of the study showed that at graded doses of the extract specifically at 50 mg/kg showed a significant reduction in the glucose and sucrose level. Furthermore, the histology of the liver and kidney did not induce structural changes and metabolic toxicity. This study showed that at lower and medium doses, the polyherbal extract elicited a better result than the higher dose. This could be due to the dose dependent manner elicited by the polyherbal extract. This study validate the ethnomedicinal claims of this plant been used as an anti-diabetic agent and this gives room for further pre-clinical and clinical studies. This suggest that the polyherbal extract can be used as a safer and alternative approach for the treatment of diabetes.