Phytochemicals and hypoglycaemic effect of methanol stem-bark extract of <i>Ficus sycomorus</i> Linn (Moraceae) on alloxan induced diabetic Wistar albino rats

Abstract

This paper reports the hypoglycaemic effect of methanol extract of stem-bark of Ficus sycomorus which was investigated in alloxan induced type-2 diabetic albino Wistar rats. The animals were separated into three groups and each was treated with 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg (body weight) of the extract intraperitoneally. The methanol extract of stem-bark of F. sycomorus significantly reduced (P<0.05) the blood glucose levels in all the doses administered, but the effect was more prominent at the dose of 250 mg/kg. Preliminary phytochemical screening of methanol extract of the plant revealed the presence of flavonoids, glycosides, reducing sugars, tannins, resins and saponins. The results of this experimental animal study indicate that stem-bark of F. sycomorus possess some antidiabetic properties.

Key words: Phytochemicals, Ficus sycomorus, hypoglycaemic activity, alloxan, diabetic.