Open AccessApigenin: A methanol fraction component of Newbouldia laevis leaf, as a potential antidiabetic agent
Author(s) -
Chinyelu C. Osigwe,
Peter A. Akah,
Chukwuemeka S. Nworu,
Festus Basden Chiedu Okoye
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
the journal of phytopharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2320-480X
DOI - 10.31254/phyto.2017.6106
Subject(s) - apigenin , alloxan , glycogen , chemistry , diabetes mellitus , methanol , traditional medicine , medicine , flavonoid , endocrinology , biochemistry , antioxidant , organic chemistry
The leaves of Newbouldia laevis is traditionally used to treat diabetes mellitus in southeast Nigeria. The apigenin isolated from the methanol fraction of dichloromethane/methanol (1:1) extract of the leaves was evaluated for antidiabetic and antihyperglycemic activity in alloxan-induced diabetic rats and on normal rats. Treatment of alloxan-diabetic rats with the compound (apigenin) significantly (p < 0.05) reduced blood glucose, and increased the liver and muscle glycogen content. The adrenaline-induced elevation of blood glucose of normal rats was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced by the isolated compound. These results suggest that apigenin may be the anti-diabetic principle in the leaves of Newbouldia laevis..