The Antidiabetic Potential Of <i>Jatropha tanjorensis</i> Leaves

Abstract

In Southwest Nigeria, infusion of Jatropha tanjorensisi leaves is taken orally for the treatment of diabetic symptoms. The hypoglycemic effect of EtOH/H₂O (1:1) leaf extract was evaluated in fasted and glucose-loaded rats at the doses of 1 and 2g/kg in-vivo, while three fractions of the extract were assessed for their anti-diabetic potentials in-vitro to stimulate the release of insulin secretion from INS–1 cells. Only 2 g/kg of the extract possesses significant glucose lowering activity in glucose-loaded rats while the insulin secretion ability in-vitro was limited to the ethylacetate fraction.

Key words: Anti-hyperglycaemic, Hypoglycaemic effects; INS-1 cells; Jatropha tanjorensisi.

Nig. J. Nat. Prod. and Med. Vol.8 2004: 55-58