Glucose lowering efficacy of the aqueous stem bark extract of Trema orientalis (Linn) Blume in normal and streptozotocin diabetic rats

• Published in: Pharmazie Vol. 61; no. 3; pp. 233 - 236
• Main Authors: Dimo, T., Ngueguim, F. T., Kamtchouing, P., Dongo, E., Tan, P. V.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany Govi-Verlag 01.03.2006
• Subjects: Animals; Blood Glucose - metabolism; Body Weight - drug effects; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental - blood; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental - drug therapy; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 - blood; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 - chemically induced; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 - drug therapy; Drinking - drug effects; Eating - drug effects; Glucose Tolerance Test; Hypoglycemic Agents - pharmacology; Hypoglycemic Agents - therapeutic use; Male; Plant Bark - chemistry; Plant Extracts - pharmacology; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Trema - chemistry
• ISSN: 0031-7144

The glucose-lowering efficacy of the aqueous stem bark extract of Trema orientalis (Ulmaceae) was evaluated both in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. In normoglycemic rats, the single oral administration of the aqueous extract of T. orientalis failed to reduce blood glucose levels while in STZ-diabetic rats, the plant extract (38-300 mg/kg) exhibited significant hypoglycaemic activity with a maximum effect of 29.67%, 5 hours after administration of the 75 mg/kg dose when compared with the diabetic untreated group. Glibenclamide was not able to lower blood glucose in STZ-diabetic rats, while it significantly lowered the blood sugar in normoglycemic rats. The hypoglycaemic property of T. orientalis was also assessed by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in STZ-diabetic rats. The aqueous extract of T. orientalis and the reference drug, glibenclamide, (10 mg/kg) produced significant blood glucose lowering effects in the diabetic rats when compared to the diabetic controls. One week after repeated administration of T. orientalis extract, blood glucose levels were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) and still remained low after 2 weeks (p < 0.01). The results indicated that T. orientalis stem bark extract significantly reduces blood glucose in STZ-induced diabetic rats by a mechanism different from that of sulfonylurea agents. The present investigation provides pharmacological evidence that the use of this plant extract in traditional medicine for cardiovascular disease can be of benefit particulary in diabetic patients.