Hypoglycemic effect of Malmea depressa root on streptozotocin diabetic rats

The hypoglycemic effects of water, ethanolic and butanolic extracts prepared from the root of Malmea depressa (Baill) R.E. Fries. (Annonaceae) were studied in diabetic rats (streptozotocin induced). Oral application of water extracts at doses of 40 and 80 mg/kg, ethanolic (112 mg/kg) and butanolic (80 mg/kg) extracts significantly lowered the plasma glucose levels in diabetic rats within three hours. Glibenclamide and metformin were used as references and showed similar hypoglycemic effects like the extracts. The three extracts have a similar chemical composition (HPLC analysis). © 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.