Antidiabetic effect of methalonic leaf extract of pterocarpus erinaceus in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

The plant Pterocarpus erinaceus has been widely utilized Phytotherapeutically for it anti-mycotic, anti-helminthics, anti-malaria, anti-gonadotropic activities. The anti-diabetic effect was investigated using the methanolic leaf extract of the plant on male albino rats by monitoring the Blood Glucose Concentration before and after the treatment. Phytochemical screening of the plant reveals the presence of Saponins, Tannins, Flavonoids, Alkaloids, Steroids, Carbohydrates and Cardiac glycosides. Acute toxicity study of the methanolic leaf extract of the plant was greater than 5000mg/kg when administered via the oral route. The fasting blood glucose concentration of the animals was determined at day 0 then at day 1, 4 and 7 post administration. At day 4 and day 7, there was significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the blood glucose concentration of the group that receive 250mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, 1000mg/kg of the extract. There was no significant change in the weight of the animal across the group. The result indicates that the methanolic leaf extract of Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir has anti-diabetic activity as it reduces the blood glucose concentration from 330mg/dl to 117mg/dl. This study shows possible beneficial effects of Pterocarpus erinaceus in the management of diabetes.