Anti-Diabetic Effect of Methanolic Extract of Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth Leaf on Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Albino Rats

Background: Diabetes Mellitus is a debilitating metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia due to insufficient insulin or inability of insulin receptors to respond positively to circulating insulin. Prevalence of the disease is on the global increase annually with tendency to rise from 380 to over 592 million by 2035 in developing countries. Toxicity of some Orthodox drugs in use has led to searches for alternative sources for treatment and management of the disease.

Aim: This work was aimed at investigating the effect of methanolic extract of Albizia lebbeck leaf on Alloxan monohydrate induced diabetic albino rats.

Materials and Methods: Qualitative Phytochemical analysis of the plant extract was carried out in Biochemistry Division of National Veterinary Research Institute Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria. Forty female Wistar albino rats were used for the study, divided into five groups (A-E) in two replicates. Group A- negative control (non-induced, not treated) and group B- positive control (induced with Alloxan - 120mg/kg body weight (b.w), administered intra-peritoneally but not treated). Groups C- and D- induced and treated with 100 and 200mg/kg b.w extract respectively. Group E- non-induced but treated with 100mg/kg b.w of extract. Diabetes was established on day 3 after induction. Blood samples were collected through retro-orbital plexus into Fluoride oxalate bottles on days 0, 3, 5 and 9. Glucose was estimated by Glucose Oxidase method.

Results/Conclusion: Phytochemical analysis of the extract showed the presence of saponins, tannins, steroids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids and terpenes. Glucose analysis results showed dose dependence and statistically significant reduction (p<0.05) in blood glucose from 3rd, 5th and 9th days post induction following treatment with Albizia lebbeck in group C- 14.5±3.5, 10.4±4.6 and 8.4±3.7; in group D- 14.0±4.7, 10.2±3.3 and 6.5±2.5; and in group E- 5.0±0.6, 3.7±0.5 and 3.5±0.5 respectively. We conclude that methanolic leaf extract of the plant Albezia lebbeck (L.) Benth, possesses anti-diabetic properties effective on both normal and Alloxan-induced diabetic rats.