Antihyperglycaemic activity of aqueous leaf extract of Combretum micranthum (Combretaceae) in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Aim of the study: To investigate antidiabetic effect of the leaves of Combretum micranthum G. Don, a medicinal plant used for treating diabetes in Northwestern Nigeria. Materials and methods: Three doses (100. mg/kg, 200. mg/kg and 400. mg/kg) of the aqueous leaf extract of Combretum micranthum were administered to normal glucose loaded, subdiabetic and diabetic rats. Results: Of the doses tested, 100. mg/kg of the extract was the most effective. It produces a significant hypoglycaemic and antidiabetic activity comparable to the effect of standard drug (0.6. mg/kg glibenclemide). Conclusion: This study demonstrated the potential antidiabetic property of aqueous leaf extract of Combretum micranthum thus justifying its traditional usage. © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.