Antidiabetic effect of Crossopteryx febrifuga methanolic leaf extract in alloxan induced diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus is a potentially morbid condition with high prevalence worldwide thus the disease constitutes a major health concern. Presently, it is an incurable metabolic disorder which affects about 2.8% of the global population. This study, investigate the antidiabetic effect of methanolic leaf extract of Crossopteryx febrifuga in alloxan induced diabetes rats. The plant was found to be safe with an LD 50 value of 5000mg/kg and phytochemical screening reveal the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins and carbohydrates. The plant significantly decreased blood glucose level at p < 0.05 from 139 to 83 mg/dl but body weight of treated rat and control slightly increased significantly after seven days of administration of the extract. The result from this study shows possible beneficial effects of Crossopteryx febrifuga in the management of diabetes. Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; Crossopteryx febrifuga ; Alloxan; Blood glucose; Diabetic rats