Assessment of In vivo Antidiabetic Activity of Adenanthera pavonina (Fabaceae) Extract in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Objective: Adenanthera pavonina is a deciduous tree commonly used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as boils, epilepsy, blood disorders, seizures, inflammation, and rheumatism. However, the use of this plant extract lacks scientific validation as to its effectiveness. Materials and Methods: This study aimed to investigate the in vivo antidiabetic activity of the methanolic extract of A. pavonina leaves in alloxanized diabetic rats. The preliminary phytochemical screening was performed. The antidiabetic property was evaluated by oral administration of plant extract at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg of body weight and by profiling blood glucose levels at 1, 7, 14, and 21 days using a glucometer. Results: The phytochemical screening reveals the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, phenolic compounds, tannins, saponins, proteins, amino acids, and steroids. The blood glucose level of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of plant extract on day 21 of the study was 188.41 ± 8.46 mg/dL and 182.01 ± 9.21 mg/dL, respectively, compared to the diabetic control 291.01 ± 10.25 mg/dL. Conclusion: The methanolic extract from the leaves of A. pavonina showed dose-dependent antidiabetic activity in alloxanized diabetic rats. The results suggest that the plant extract has significant (P < 0.01) antidiabetic activity.