It has been claimed that Zingiber officinale (ZO) and Picralima nitida (P.nitida) as well as its alkaloid fraction have effects in the lowering of blood glucose level. This study is aimed at evaluating the antidiabetic effects of these plants as it has been claimed. Thirty (30) Wistar rats of either sexes were used in this study. They were fasted for 24 h, weighed and diabetes was induced with 120 mg/kg of alloxan monohydrate solution according to their body weights. Those that were diabetic were divided into five experimental groups viz: Group A (Normal control); Group B:Diabetic +100 mg/kg of Alkaloid fraction of Picralima nitida (AFPN) only; Group C: Diabetic +100 mg/kg Zingiber officinale; Group D: Daibetic + 100 mg/kg (Methanolic extract of AFPN +ZO )only; Group E: Diabetic + 100 mg/kg of Metformin (standard drug) and Group F: Diabetic untreated only. It was observed that the blood glucose level decreased (P<0.05) significantly as a result of the extracts unlike the diabetic untreated group and the decrease was more pronounced in the metformine treated group followed by Group D while morbidity rate was highest in the Diabetic untreated group and the significant decrease (P<0.05) in the blood glucose concentration was in dose dependent pattern. These findings proved that Zingiber officinale (Ginger) and the alkaloid fraction of P.nitida have hypoglycaemic properties and can serve as a first line neutraceutical in the management of patients with hyperglycemia.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Metformin, Ginger, Picralima nitida