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