Abstract

Bridelia grandis is used in most parts of tropical Africa for the treatment of diabetes. The anti-diabetic properties of the methanolic stem bark extract of this plant was studied in ob/ob and db/db mice. The plant extract induced hypoglycaemic effects of long duration in the ob/ob mice, while its effects were less pronounced in the db/db mice. Twenty four hours after the cessation of drug administration, both ob/ob and db/db extract treated animals still had significantly lower fasting blood sugar levels when compared to controls, thus confirming its antidiabetic properties.

Key words: Bridelia grandis (Euphorbiaceae), antidiabetic properties, ob/ob and db/db mice.