Aqueous extracts of African mistletoe (Loranthus bengwensis) leaves exert hypoglycaemic effects in normal rabbits

Abstract

The hypoglycaemic effect of aqueous extract of the leaves of African mistletoe (Lorantus bengwensis) growing on Kola nuts plants (Kola acuminate) was studied on normal rabbits. The results obtained showed that administration of 100 mg/kg aqueous extract of the plant for 21 days elicited a 49% decrease in plasma glucose, while a dose of 200 mg/kg led to a decrease of 45%. In comparison, treatment with 0.1 mg/Kg Daonil caused a 72% reduction in plasma glucose concentration. This preliminary finding provides a basis for further investigation into the mechanism through which the plant extract exerts its hypoglycaemic effect and its potential use in the management of diabetes mellitus.