Evaluation of Anti-Diabetic Property of Methanol Extract of Ficus Exasperata Vahl. (Moraceae)

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycaemia with disturbances of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism resulting from impairments in insulin secretion, insulin action or both. The side effect of orthodox is alarming and expensive. This prompted a search for a cheaper and reliable alternative drug medicinal plant for the management of diabetes.

Aim: This study aimed at carrying out anti-diabetics evaluation of methanol extract of Ficus exasperata leaves.

Methodology: The cold maceration method was used to obtain the extract using methanol as solvent. Lorkes method was used to carry out the acute toxicity study on mice, alloxan induced model was used to evaluate the antidiabetic potentials on diabetic rats and blood glucose level was measured using glucometer and statistically analyzed.

Result: Acute toxicity study indicated no mortality or any behavioral changes even at 5000mg/kg body weight. The extract at 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg exhibited anti-diabetics activity in dose dependent manner. 400mg/kg body weight reduces blood glucose level significantly at p value less than 0.05 when compared to the standard drug.

Conclusion: The methanol extract of Ficus exasperata leaves have demonstrated a reasonable antidiabetics activity. The research has given an insight in the use of the plant leaves in controlling blood sugar level and substantiate its folkloric uses. Further studies on isolation of bioactive compound, establishment of the mechanism of action for the observed anti-diabetic activity and hepato-renal and hematological effects are recommended.