Abstract

Background: Evaluation of the medicinal uses of plants remains a growing field of research. This study investigated the effects of Eucalyptus globules on alloxan -induced diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods: Thirty male albino rats were randomized into 5 groups (n=6).Group A served as the control and was maintained on standard rat chow and water ad’libitum. Diabetes was induced in Group C, D and E animals by intraperitoneal administration of alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg).Groups B and D were orally administered with aqueous extract of Eucalyptus globulus at a dose of 150 mg/kg per oral daily for 4 weeks, while group E received glibenclamide at a dose of 0.6 mg/kg orally in addition. Fasting plasma glucose, antioxidant status (catalase and xanthine), malondialdehyde (MDA), liver function enzymes (AST and ALT) and bicarbonate ion (HC0 3 - ) were assessed after 4 weeks.

Results: Aqueous extract of Eucalyptus globulus leaves significantly reduced fasting plasma glucose level, MDA, HC0 3 - , and liver enzymes ( P <0.05). The aqueous extract also increased serum levels of xantine oxidase and catalase significantly ( P < 0.05).The effects of the aqueous extract on diabetic rats were similar to those of glibenclamide.

Conclusion: Findings from this study revealed that aqueous extract of Eucalyptus globulus has hypoglycaemic property.The botanical also prevents complication of diabetes such as lipid peroxidation and ketoacidosis via its antioxidant potentials. This study lends credence to the ethnomedical use of the botanical in the management of diabetes.

Keywords: Eucalyptus globulus , diabetes, lipid peroxidation, ketoacidosis, Ethnomedicine, liver enzymes