Abstract:

The effect of the leaf extracts of Solanum dulcamara on blood sugar level of diabetic rats was investigated using sixty (60) albino wistar rats and twenty (20) albino mice. Diabetes mellitus was induced in experimental animals by the intraperitoneal administration of alloxan monohydrate (8% w/v). Phytochemical tests revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, resins, glycosides, saponins, & carbohydrates. Results of acute toxicity tests (LD₅₀) indicated an intra-peritoneal LD₅₀ of 154.91mg/kg and an oral LD₅₀ of 2720mg/kg. Results showed that oral administration of 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg of the methanol extract of Solanum dulcamara (MESD) significantly reduced the blood glucose of diabetic rats at when compared with the untreated diabetic control and the 0 hour glucose value (p˂ 0.05; p<0.001). The antihyperglycaemic action started 2 hours post-drug administration and was sustained throughout the duration of the experiment. The aqueous extract of Solanum dulcamara (AESD) at 100mg/kg reduced blood sugar significantly at 1 and 2 hours when compared with the 0 hour value (p˂ 0.05; p<0.001). This reduction however, did not persist as the glycaemic control was lost after 4 hours. 50mg/kg AESD did not produce anti- hyperglycaemic effects on diabetic rats when compared with control and 0 hour value (p>0.05). The methanol and aqueous extracts of Solanum dulcamara possess significant antihyperglycaemic property.

Keywords: Solanum dulcamara, Extract, Alloxan, Anti-hyperglycaemia.