HYPOGLYCEMIC PROPERTIES OF THE AQUEOUS ROOT EXTRACT OF MORINDA-LUCIDA (BENTH) (RUBIACEAE) - STUDIES IN THE MOUSE

The aqueous root extract of Morinda lucida (Rubiaceae) Benth, exhibited potent hypoglycaemic effects in both normoglycemic and alloxan-induced diabetic mice by oral administration. This effect was dose-dependent and more potent than that observed with chlorpropamide (1-(p-chlorobenzene-sulphanyl)-3-propylurea). In the normoglycaemic mice, the extract (140 mg/kg body weight) produced a fall in blood sugar of 32% + 1% while at 280 mg/kg body weight there was a 52% + 2% fall over the same time interval. In alloxan-induced diabetic mice, the reaction time of the extract was longer with a single dose of the extract producing a significant hypoglycaemic effect 4 h after administration. In diabetic mice, a dose of 140 mg/kg body weight of the plant extract caused a fall in blood sugar of 51% + 1% while a dose of 280 mg/kg produced a fall of 60% + 2%.