EFFECTS OF BI-HERBAL ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF PHYLLANTHUS NIRURI AND MORINGA OLIEFERA ON THE PLASMA GLUCOSE LEVEL AND HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERSOF STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC ALBINO RATS

Ezeonwu, Valentine Ugonna

Department of Biochemistry

Modibbo Adama University of Technology

ABSTRACT

Bi-ethanolic extract of phyllanthus niruri whole plant and Ocimum gratissimum leaves was evaluated for anti-diabetic activities in STZ-induced diabetes as well as its implications on some hematological parameters of the diabetic animals. Ethanolic extract from both herbs at dose levels of 150mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 300mg/kg orally administered once lowered blood sugar level of the animals within 2hours and 3hours after administration. The extracts showed significant reduction in the sugar levels of the diabetic animals as well as prevented weight loss due to diabetes in a dose dependent manner with 500mg/kg showing highest activity. The hematological studies of the animals after 14days of administration with the extracts showed no significant difference in the WBC, PCV and HB levels of all treated groups when compared with the control. The bi-herbal extract therefore not only possesses hypoglycemic property but also do not alter the hematological composition of the animals.

Keywords: Phyllanthus niruri, Moringa oleifera, Hyperglycemia, Hematological parameters, STZ