Formulation and evaluation of anti-diabetic tablets containing aqueous extract of <i>Moringa oleifera</i> seeds

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia and its occurrence is increasing fast in most of the countries. Herbal medicine derived from plant extracts has been utilized increasingly for the treatment of various disorders like diabetes mellitus. The present study was designed to formulate and evaluate the anti-diabetic activity of Moringa oleifera tablets and compare the activity with those of Moringa oleifera  crude extract in alloxan-induced diabetic rats’ model. Alloxan (120 mg/kg) was used to induce diabetes in rats and the blood glucose levels were examined using glucometer. The tablets were prepared by wet granulation technique using 2% of hydroxyl propylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and acacia gum respectively as binders. They were evaluated using unofficial and official Pharmacopeia methods. The Moringa oleifera extract and tablets were administered to diabetic rats for 5 days at a dose of 400 mg/kg rat. The extract and tablets produced marked reduction in blood glucose levels in diabetic rats. These results showed that the extract and formulated tablets exhibited anti- diabetic property in diabetic rats.

Keywords: Moringa oleifera seeds, aqueous extract, anti-diabetic tablets, alloxan, Wistar rats