The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of extracts of Cymbopogon citratus on the blood sugar level, lipid profiles and hormonal profiles of normal rats. Oral administration of ethanolic and aqueous extract of C. citratus at a doses of 200 mg/kg body weight, for a period of 30 days, caused a significant (p0.05) reduction in blood glucose levels. Effect on hormonal profile (TSH, T3, and T4) was also determined, and was found to be significantly higher in all the administered groups when compared with control. Lipid profiles levels; Total cholesterols, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol were significantly (p0.05) higher for all treated rats as compared against control. Findings in this study showed that this plant has hypoglycemic properties and did not exert oxidative damage to the heart and the various hormonal profiles as well as its relative safety and possible use for weight gain.
