Phytochemical Screening and Anti-hyperglycaemic Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Terminalia ivorensis A. Chev. Leaves on Albino Wistar Rats

Johnny, I. I¹*, Ekong, N. J² and Okon, J. E³.

¹Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, P.M.B. 1017, Uyo. Akwa Ibom State - Nigeria.

²Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria.

³Department of Botany and Ecological Studies, Faculty of Science,  University of Uyo, P.M.B. 1017, Uyo. Akwa Ibom State - Nigeria.

*Corresponding Author E-mail: joesplendid@yahoo.com

Accepted 28 July, 2014

Abstract

Phytochemical screening and anti-hyperglycaemic activity of ethanolic leaf extract of Terminalia ivorensis on alloxan induced wistar diabetic rats were investigated. Standard procedures were used for the evaluation. The median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of the plant was determined intraperitoneally. Results of phytochemical screening of the ethanolic extract revealed the presence of alkoloids, saponins, tannins, cardiac glycosides, terpenes and flavonoids. The LD₅₀ of the leaf extract was 3464.10 mg/kg. Anti-hyperglycaemic results of the extract showed a significant (p<0.05) reduction in the blood glucose level (BGL) middle dose (692.82 mg/kg) at the six hours after intraperitoneal administration. The extract compared favourably with the standard drug (metformin: 100 mg/kg). This study has demonstrated the anti-hyperglycaemic potentials of Terminalia ivorensis leaf extract and thereby lends credence for its usage in herbal preparation for the treatment of diabetic patients in Akwa Ibom State.

Keywords: Terminalia ivorensis, phytochemical screening, hyperglycaemic, diabetes, albino rats, ethanolic extract, metformin.