Antihyperglycaemic activity of aqueous leaf extract of Combretum micranthum (Combretaceae) in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Objective: To investigate antidiabetic effect of the leaves of Combretum micranthum G. Don, a medicinal plant used for treating diabetes in Northwestern Nigeria.

Methods: Three doses (100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg) of the aqueous leaf extract of Combretum micranthum were administered to normal glucose loaded, subdiabetic and diabetic rats.

Results: Of the doses tested, 100mg/kg of the extract was the most effective. It produces a significant hypoglycaemic and antidiabetic activity comparable to the effect of standard drug (0.6 mg/kg glibenclemide).

Conclusions: This study demonstrated the potential antidiabetic property of aqueous leaf extract of Combretum micranthum thus justifying its traditional usage.