This study was designed to evaluate the
antidiabetic profile and the hypoglycaemic activity of aqueous root extracts of L. hastata in normal and
alloxan-induced diabetic rats model. Eighty five albino rats were used for this study out of this thirty five were used subjected to experimental diabetes by the use of
alloxan at a dose of 160 mg kg(-1)
body weight. Seven experimental groups of five rats per group (A-G) were used for this study. A standard
antidiabetic drug (
insulin) group (B) and
normal saline group (G) serves as positive control. The
blood glucose lowering activity of the extract,
insulin and
normal saline groups were monitored at 0, 1, 3, 6, 12 and 18 hpost extract administration. On the other hand the remaining fifty albino rats were used to determine the acute toxicity and the
hypoglycemic activity of the extract. The
blood glucose levels of the rats were monitored at 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days post extract administration.
Oral administration of aqueous root extract at 600 and 800 mg kg(-1) b.wt have significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the
blood glucose in diabetic albino rats. On the other hand the
hypoglycemic activity of the aqueous root extract on normal rats at dose of 1000 mg kg(-1) b.wt have significantly (p < 0.05) decreases
blood glucose level in normal albino rats. The results of the current study have demonstrated the
antidiabetic and hypoglycaemic effects of L. hastata aqueous root extracts and underscore its potentials in the management of
diabetes mellitus especially following prolonged use in days.