African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 6 (18), pp. 2087-2090, 19 September 2007   

ISSN 1684–5315 © 2007 Academic Journals        

Full Length Research Paper

Effects of aqueous leaves extract of Ocimum gratissimum on blood glucose levels of streptozocin-induced diabetic wistar rats

A. Mohammed^1*, Y. Tanko¹, M. A. Okasha¹, R. A. Magaji² and A. H.Yaro³

¹Department of Human Physiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.

²Department of Human Physiology, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria.

³Department of Pharmacology, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: amohd177@hotmail.com.

Accepted 13 August, 2007

The hypoglycemic effects of aqueous leaves extract of Ocimum gratisimum was investigated in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats. A single administration of the extract at the doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight was done. The aqueous extract at the dose of 500 mg/kg significantly lowered blood glucose level (P<0.05) of the diabetic rats by 81.3% after 24 h of extract administration. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of reducing sugars, cardiac glycosides, resin, tannins, saponins, glycosides, flavonoids, glycerin and   steroids. The median lethal dose (LD₅₀) in rats was calculated to be 1264.9 mg/kg body weight. In conclusion, the leaves extract of O. gratissmm possess antidiabetic in streptozocin-induced in diabetic rats.

Key words:  Ocimum gratissimm, hypoglycemic activity, streptozocin diabetes.