ASSESSMENT OF TOXICITY AND ANTI-DIABETIC POTENTIAL OF CHAYA (Cnidoscolus chayamansa) ETHANOLIC LEAF EXTRACT ON ALLOXAN INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

The need to scientifically prove the claim of traditional uses of plant materials in treating diseases has led to investigations into the medicinal potency of various plants. Cnidoscolus chayamansa (Euphorbiaceae) leaves have been traditionally used to treat diabetes and other ailments such as obesity and kidney stones. Toxicity test was conducted by administering different doses of extract to six (6) groups of rats which has six rats each. The first group was given distilled water. However, the second group onward received incremental doses of extract (1000 – 5000 mg/kg). Anti-diabetic activities of Chaya extract was investigated using thirty (30) rats weighing between 120 g – 180 g. Animals were distributed into control and five treatment groups of five rats each. Group one received standard diet and water ad libitum, while treated groups (2 – 6) were given 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of Chaya extract, 150 mg/kg of alkaloid fraction and 150 mg/kg of standard drug (Metformin) respectively. After observation for 24 hours, no death of animals was recorded. Therefore, LD50 of the extract was determined to be greater than 5000 mg/kg. Results of treatment procedure showed that diabetic rats treated with two different doses of extract, alkaloid fraction and standard drug decreased blood glucose at day 7, 14 and a further decrease at day 21, which was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) different from the control group. Therefore, Cnidoscolus chayamansa leaf can be safely consumed and possesses anti-diabetic properties.