Bamisaye, F.A., Odutuga, A.A., Minari, J.B., Dairo, J.O., Oluba, O.M. and Babatola, L.J.
The aqueous and 50% methanolic extracts of leaf of Morinda lucida were investigated for their phytochemical constituents, hypoglycemic and toxicological effects in alloxan-induced hyperglycemia in rats. In addition, the possible acute toxicological effects of the extracts were also studied for seven days.The results revealed the presence of alkaloids, cardenolides, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins and steroids in the aqueous extract while 50% methanolic extract contained anthraquinones in addition to those found in aqueous extract. Phenolics and tannins were not detected in both extracts while anthraquinones was not detected in aqueous extract. The extracts significantly (P<0.05) lowered the blood glucose level in the alloxan-induced hyperglycemia in rats. However, the aqueous extract was more effective than the 50% methanolic extract, though they may possibly be toxic at the doses used because marker enzymes (ALP, AST and ALT) were secreted into the sera of these extracts-treated rats. The acute intra-peritoneal toxicity study of the extracts at the limit doses of 500-1500 mg/kg body weight revealed toxicity of the extracts, most especially at relatively high concentrations for seven days.
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