ISSN (Online) : 2277-4572
Author(s): Wazis CH *, Timothy SY, Yesufu HB, Mashi JS, Kirawa BM
Plants, since ancient time, are used for health benefits by all cultures as well as source of medicines. It has been estimated that about 80-85% of global population rely on traditional medicines for their primarily health care needs and it is assumed that a major part of traditional therapy involves the use of plant extracts or their active principles. One such traditionally used medicinal plant is Citrullus colocynthis commonly known as ‘bitter apple.’ In this present study we have evaluated the hypoglycaemic effects of Citrullus colocynthis seeds extract in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The seeds were collected, dried, powdered, defatted with hexane and then extracted with 95% ethanol which was used for the phytochemical and antidiabetic screenings. The phytochemical screening of the Citrullus colocynthis ethanol seeds extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, carbohydrates, phenols, saponins and glycosides. The effects of oral administration of Citrullus colocynthis seeds extract on the blood glucose level of diabetic rats were evaluated. It was observed that the ethanol seed extract of this plant has some antidiabetic properties in rats. The altered glucose level in the diabetic rats was significantly reverted back to a considerable value by the administration of Citrullus colocynthis seeds extract. The phytochemicals present in the Citrullus colocynthis seeds extract may account for the observed hypoglycaemic effect.
