In vivo Hypoglycemic Activities of Male and Female Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng. In Alloxan-induced Diabetic Mice

Diabetes mellitus, a complex chronic disease that is associated with hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) affects millions of people worldwide. This study evaluated the hypoglycemic activities of male and female Antidesma bunius, commonly known as currant tree or bignay, extracts in alloxan-treated ICR mice. In addition, the effects of the treatments on blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels were determined. Phytochemical screening using standard protocol was performed. Plant extracts (500 mg/kg) were administered orally via gavage for 14 days and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were monitored prior to alloxan-induction on the day of alloxan-induction, and on the 3rd, 7th and 14th days of treatment. Sera were collected on the 14th day to measure the BUN and creatinine levels. Phytochemical screening was performed using standard TLC spray tests. All extracts were found to significantly lower FBG levels compared to the positive (glibenclamide 10 mg/kg) and negative (distilled water) controls (One-way ANOVA, p-value<0.0001). The most active extract, aqueous male A. bunius extract, significantly lowered FBG levels by as much as 61.26 +/- 17.89% after the 14th day (paired t-test, p-value = 0.0211). Both BUN and creatinine values were found to be significantly different in the treated mice compared to the controls ( One-way ANOVA, p-value = 0.0005 and 0.000479, respectively). The BUN level of all mice was still within normal range, unlike with the creatinine level where only the female and male aqueous A. bunius and female ethanolic A. bunius extracts were within normal range. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of saponins, tannins, and polyphenols, phlobatannins, steroids and terpenoids. This study demonstrates the potential of male and female A. bunius leaf extracts to reduce fasting blood glucose levels. Additional work, pertaining to the identification of possible bioactive compounds and establishing the mechanisms thereof, could be performed.