Full-text article. Also available at http://dx.doi.org/10.20431/2454-7999.0602003
Background: Majority of people opt the use of traditional means of treatment especially medicinal plants on the notion of being safe since they are naturally derived.
Objective: The study aimed at evaluation of the antidiabetic efficacy of extract and fraction and safety profile of Solanum terminale fruits extract in mice.
Methods: Mice were induced diabetes by intraperitoneal injection of freshly prepared alloxan monohydrate 170 mg/kg BW. The diabetic mice were treated once daily with crude extract and methanol fraction (100 mg/kg BW) for 20 days, and FBG were recorded on day 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20. The effects of the extract and fraction on FBG levels of the diabetic mice were evaluated. OECD guidelines were used in assessing the acute oral toxicity of S. terminale fruits extract by a single dose of crude extractat 2000 mg/kg BW. Mice were observed for 14 days for their mortality, behavioural and other changes. Before sacrifice, weight of mice and the visceral organs were recorded, and sent for histological evaluations. Results were expressed as mean ± SD, analysed by independent student’s t-test, p <0.05 was considered as significant level. Ethical clearance was sought from MUHAS, IRB and animal care followed the EEC Directive of 1986; 86/609/EEC.
Results:Crude ethanolic fruit extract of S. terminale and methanolic fraction demonstrated clinical and statistical significant blood glucose lowering efficacy in mice (p<0.05). Neither death nor abnormal changes in behavioral features in tested mice observed at 2000 mg/kg BW of S. terminale crude ethanolic fruit extract. The histological analysis demonstrated some organ derangements at 2000 mg/kg BW of S. terminale crude ethanolicfruit extract.
Conclusion:The fruits are nearly safe for use in low doses/consumption. Further work is needed including more antidiabetic screening exhausting other techniques, further toxicological studies, identification of the active compounds, and standardization/formulation of S. terminale fruits products.