Medicinal & Aromatic Plants
Open Access

Abstract

Hypoglycemic Effect of Ocimum Lamiifolium in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Mice

Arika WM, Rachuonyo HO, Muchori AN, Lagat RC, Mawia AM, Wambani JR, Wambua FK, Nyamai DW, Ogola PE, Kiboi NG, Ouko RO, Njagi SM, Muruthi CW, Ngugi MP and Njagi ENM

Plant remedies are the mainstay of treatment in underdeveloped regions owing to the side effects, unavailability and unaffordability of the conventional therapy. Among the traditional plants that have been used as an alternative therapy for diabetes mellitus is Ocimum lamiifolium, however, it has received limited scientific and medical evaluation to assess its efficacy. In this study, the in vivo hypoglycemic activity of aqueous leaf extracts of this plant was determined in male swiss white albino mice. The antidiabetic activity was screened in alloxan induced diabetic mice using oral and intraperitoneal routes. The phytochemical composition was assessed using standard procedures. The extract showed hypoglycemic activity at dose levels of 25, 48.4, 93.5, 180.9, and 350 mg/kg body weight. The extracts contained tannins, sterols, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, and alkaloids. The observed hypoglycemic activity could be associated with the phytochemicals present in this plant extract.