African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 7 (1), pp. 022-024, 4 January 2008   

ISSN 1684–5315 © 2008 Academic Journals        

Short Communication

Anti-diabetic properties of Securinega virosa (Euphorbiaceae) leaf extract

Y. Tanko¹*, M. A. Okasha¹, G. M. Magaji²    M. Yerima², A. H. Yaro³, M. I. A. Saleh¹ and A. Mohammed¹

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

²Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.

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

*Corresponding author. E-mail: yusuftanko@yahoo.com.

Accepted 5 December, 2007

This study was undertaken to evaluate the hypoglycemic effect of methanol extract of securinega virosa leaves on blood levels of streptozocin-induced diabetes rats. Three doses of the extract (100, 300 and 600 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally. After 2 h of extract administration there was no significant change in the blood glucose levels in all the three doses of the extract. Also after 4, 8 and 24 h of extract administration there was a significant (p < 0.05 - 0.001) decrease in the blood glucose levels in all the three doses of the extract. The preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of reducing sugars, cardiac glycosides, resin, tannins, saponins, glycosides, flavonoids, glycerin carbohydrate, anthraquine and steroids. The median lethal dose (LD₅₀) in rats was calculated to be 1264.9 mg/kg body weight.

Key words: Securinega virosa, hypoglycemic activity, streptozocin, diabetes mellitus.