HYPOGLYCAEMIC EFFECT OF THE METHANOL EXTRACT OF IRVINGIA GABONENSIS SEEDS ON STREPTOZOTOCIN DIABETIC RATS.

The hypoglycaemic effect of the methanol extract of Irvingia gabonensis seeds (Irvingiaceae) was examined in streptozotocin-diabetic rats. A single oral administration of the methanol extract at doses of 150 and 250mg/kg significantly (P < 0.001) lowered the plasma glucose levels in diabetic rats two hours after treatment

Glycaemic variations after administration of Irvingia gabonensis

The action of Irvingia gabonensis seed fractions in reducing or slowing down the intestinal absorption of glucose was evaluated in normoglycaemic rats. The crude seeds (CS), the defatted seeds (DS) and the protein fraction (PF) were administered at dose of 400mg/ kg body weight to normoglycemic rats submitted to oral glucose test (OGTT) with glucose (2g/kg body weight). The results obtained show a significant reduction of the postprandial glucose level after a glucose load of (2g/kg body weight) as well as fasting blood glucose levels with the three fractions. Keywords: antihyperglycaemic, blood glucose, solubles fibres, Irvingia seeds fractions African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines Vol. 3(4) 2006: 94-10