Abstract

ORAL GLUCOSE TOLERANCE TESTS WITH FLACOURTIA JANGOMAS (LOUR.) RAEUSCH. (SALICACEAE) FRUITS

Nasrin Akter Shova, M. M. Maidul Islam, Khoshnur Jannat and Mohammed Rahmatullah*

Abstract

Background: Flacourtia jangomas (Lour.) Raeusch., otherwise known as Indian plum tree is a Salicaceae family tree usually found in the wild in Bangladesh. The fruits are edible and although not wellliked, are lately finding attention because of anecdotal reports on their blood glucose lowering properties. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the oral glucose tolerance efficacy of methanol extracts of the fruits (MEFJ). Methods: Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was done to evaluate glucose tolerance. Results: In oral glucose tolerance tests, methanol extract of fruits dose-dependently and significantly reduced blood glucose levels in glucose-loaded mice. At doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg per kg body weight, MEFJ lowered blood glucose levels by 9.3, 21.1, and 32.5%, respectively, compared to control animals. By comparison, a standard antihyperglycemic drug, glibenclamide reduced blood glucose levels by 41.9% at a dose of 10 mg per kg. Conclusion: The fruits can be an effective means for lowering blood glucose in persons with elevated blood glucose levels.

Keywords: Antihyperglycemic, Flacourtia jangomas, OGTT, diabetes.