Hypoglycemic and Anti-Diabetic Profile of N-Hexane Extract of Leptadenia Hastata Leaves on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes in Albino Rats

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder of the endocrine system. The disease occurs worldwide and its occurrence is increasing rapidly in most parts of the world to epidemic proportions. Management of diabetes is usually with prescribed medication and controlled lifestyle choices. Rural dwellers in Nigeria often resort to herbal remedy and dietary control in the treatment of diabetes mellitus because of availability and affordability of orthodox medication available for treatment of diabetes mellitus. This work was undertaken to provide the logic for the use of the leaves of Leptadenia hastata as a traditional anti-diabetic agent. Method: n-hexane extract of the leaves of Leptadenia hastata was prepared by soxhlet extraction using maceration method. The extract was evaluated for anti-diabetic effect in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats. The serum glucose levels were assayed as indices of diabetes. Results: Treatment of streptozotocin induced diabetes in rats with 100 and 200 mg/kg of n-hexane extract of L. hastata reduced (p<0.001) blood glucose level and prevented diabetic weight loss which was evident in the untreated diabetic rats. Conclusions: The results of the present study affirms the efficacy of Leptadenia hastata leaves in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.