Evaluation of anti-diabetic effect of two local herbal medicinal preparations containing Cordyline fruticosa (l.) A. Chev in Rivers State, Nigeria

Diabetes half-shot (Dhs) and Thirst Excessive half shot (TEhs) are liquid herbal formulations used in Rivers State and some part of Nigeria by some traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. This study aimed at evaluating the phytochemical constituents and anti-diabetic potential of the herbal formulations in alloxan induced diabetic rats. The up and down OECD protocol was employed for assessing acute toxicity. Hyperglycemia was induced intraperitoneally with 150 mg/kg of alloxan and treated with 0.5 and 1.0 ml of Dhs and TEhs respectively for the period of 21 days. The fasting blood glucose levels, serum lipid parameters were recorded on day 3, 7, 14 and 21 respectively. Qualitative phytochemical analysis was carried out on the formulations using standard prescribed methods. Whereas at a dose of 3 ml per rat no visible sign of toxicity was observed, at a much higher dose of 9 ml per rat, mortality was recorded and when step down to a dose of 6 ml per rat no visible sign of toxicity was observed. After day 3, a quick onset hypoglyceamic effect with a decrease in the fasting blood glucose levels of 57.89 and 95.23% were observed for the 0.5 and 1.0 ml per rat doses respectively which fluctuated on day 7 and 14 but later stabilized to > 76.56 % reduction on the day 21. A similar trend was also observed for the TEhs. However, a 100 % mortality was recorded after day 3 for the 1.0 ml higher dose which could be associated with sub-chronic toxicity. Both Dhs and TEHs showed the presence of carbohydrates, triterpenoids and protein. These results demonstrate significant antidiabetic potential of the two herbal formulations justifying the use of these herbals in the indigenous system of medicine. Further studies for investigating the specific compound(s) responsible for such beneficial role in diabetes, pre-clinical and clinical activities.