Jimoh A., Tanko Y. and Mohammed A
An appropriate management approach to any disorders of glucose tolerance necessitates a strong understanding of the mechanism involved in the disease process. The preliminary phytochemical screening of methanolic extract of Cissus cornifolia revealed the presence of alkaloid, flavonoids, saponins, steroid, terperiods and tannins. Also, the LD50 of the extract is found to be above 5000mg/kg orally. Three doses of the extract (50, 100 and 200mg/kg), 0.2ml normal saline and 1mg/ml glibenclamide as a standard anti-diabetic drug were orally administered daily for two weeks. The fasting blood glucose levels were determined at intervals of 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13 days. At day 0 of the extract administered, there were no significant difference in blood glucose level of the extracts treated and when compared to negative control (normal saline 0.2ml). However, after 5 days of extract administration, there was a significant (p<0.05) decrease in blood glucose levels in all the three doses administered when compared to negative control (normal saline). As regard to the positive control (glibenclamide) there was a significant (p<0.05) in blood glucose levels when compared to negative control (normal saline).The effects of methanolic extracts (50mg/kg) Cissus cornifolia on glucose tolerance tests was investigated. There was a significant (p<0.05) decrease in blood glucose level at 30min of initiating glucose tolerance test when compared to normal saline group. The hypoglycemic effect was pronounced from 30 to 120min after treatment. In conclusion, the three doses of the extract administered showed both significant (p<0.05) hypoglycemic effect in Wister rats.
