ABSTRACT

This study investigated the effects of Azadiracta Indica seed extract

on blood glucose levels of streptozocin-induced diabetic and normoglycemic

Wistar rats.

An acute toxicity studies of the extract Azadiracta Indica was done,

the result of the acute toxicity study showed that the extract had an LD50

3000mg/kg bodyweight via intraperitoneal route in Wistar rats.

A preliminary phytochemical screening was done which revealed the

presence of flavonoids tannins, glycerin, cholesterol, steroids alkaloids

saponin, triterpenoid and reducing sugar. After which the three doses

(500mg/kg, 1000mg/kg and 1500mg/kg bodyweight) of the extract were

administered to streptozocin-induced diabetic and normoglycemic Wistar

rats. The effects of the extract on blood glucose levels of the animal were

compared with untreated control and Biphasic Isophane Insulin treated

groups.

In the streptozocin-induced diabetic groups, there was no significant

change in the blood glucose levels after 1 hour of extract treatment in all the

groups given different doses. After 3 hours there was a significant decrease

(P<0.05) in the group when given 1000mg/kg bodyweight of the extract

compared to the     untreated control. After 5 and 7 hours there was a

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significant decrease (P<0.05) in the groups given 500 and 1000mg/kg

bodyweight of e