Abstract

*Ogunmefun, O.T., Fasola, T.R., Saba, A.B, Oridupa, O.A. and Adarabioyo, M.I

Anti-diabetic effect of Phragmanthera incana, a mistletoe species growing on Theobroma cacao (Cocoa) and Cola nitida (Kolanut) were investigated based on its ethnomedicinal claims for treatment and management of diabetes in Nigeria. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (100mg/kg) in albino rats. After 4 days monitoring, rats with RBS of ≥150mg/dl were considered diabetic and included in the study. Eight groups of diabetic rats (n=5), and a ninth group of non-diabetic rats were used for the study. Three groups of diabetic rats were assigned to each extract and administered doses of 200, 400 or 800mg/kg. One group was administered with glibenclamide and the eighth group was left untreated. RBS were monitoring within 24 hours and days 3, 7, 10 and 14 post-administration of extracts. The extracts reduced RBS within 1 hour post-administration of the extract, and through the course of the experiment. Twenty four hours post-administration of extracts, rats administered 800mg/kg exhibited the lowest RBS, but in the overall, 400mg/kg dose achieved the best control of blood glucose levels. The extracts achieved a more significant control of blood glucose levels than glibenclamide. This study justifies the use of this plant in ethnomedicine for management of diabetes mellitus.