Full text article. Also available at https://doi.org/10.15739/ibspr.20.004
This study aimed at screening for the hypoglycaemic efficacy and phytochemical(s) of Solanum terminale fruits, being used traditionally in Lushoto, Tanzania for management of diabetes and hypertension. S. terminale fruits were collected November 2018 in Lushoto. Hypoglycaemic efficacy testing of the crude ethanolic extract and factions of S. terminale fruits at 100 mg/kg body weight (BW) dose were carried out in healthy albino mice using Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). The phytochemical screening based on the chemical reactions of the precipitation and coloration with the standard reagents was used. The statistical analysis of results was carried out using independent student’s t-test (p ˂0.05).The crude ethanolic extract and fractions of S. terminale fruits at a dose of 100 mg/kg BW have demonstrated the significant blood glucose lowering efficacy, and the phytochemical screening indicated the presence of tannins, saponins, terpenoids, alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids and glycosides. Results of the study indicate the therapeutic potential of S. terminale fruits in the lowering of the blood glucose levels, but further studies are needed including toxicity and other animal models testing for diabetes.