Glucose lowering efficacy of Ficus racemosa bark extract in normal and alloxan diabetic rats

The glucose-lowering efficacy of a methanol extract of the stem bark of Ficus raccmosa Linn. (MEBFR) (Family Moraceae) was evaluated both in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The MEBFR at the doses examined (200 and 400 mg/kg p.o.) exhibited significant hypoglycaemic activity in both experimental animal models when compared with the control group. The activity was also comparable to that of the effect produced by a standard antidiabetic agent, glibenclamide 10 mg/kg. The present investigation established pharmacological evidence to support the folklore claim that it is an antidiabetic agent. Copyright (C) 2002 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.