Hypoglycaemic Effect of Gongronema Latifolium in Alloxan-Diabetic Rabbits

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Gongronema latifolium is an edible and a medicinal plant. The plant has been reported to possess several useful effects in man. OBJECTIVE: To determine the blood glucose lowering effect of Gongronema latifolium in diabetes mellitus. METHODS: Diabetes mellitus was induced in male rabbits by intravenous injection of alloxan. The alloxan induced diabetic rats were then given a Gongronema latifolium extract or metformin. Blood glucose was subsequently monitored for 24 hours. RESULTS: The Glatifolium extracts showed a significant hypoglycaemic effect on both normal and diabetic rabbits. Blood glucose levels were either as low or lower after the administration of G latifolium than metformin. CONCLUSION: The results of these study confirm that G latifolium extract lowers blood glucose. This suggests that it has a possible use as a dietary adjunct in the management of diabetes mellitus. BJM 2020; 2(1): 19-21.