ANTI-DIABETIC AND ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIALS OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS IN EXPERIMENTALLY-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

Background: Evaluation of the medicinal uses of plants remains a growing field of research. This study investigated the effects of Eucalyptus globules on alloxan -induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty male albino rats were randomized into 5 groups (n=6). Group A served as the control and was maintained on standard rat chow and water ad’libitum. Diabetes was induced in Group C, D and E animals by intraperitoneal administration of alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg). Groups B and D were orally administered with aqueous extract of Eucalyptus globulus at a dose of 150 mg/kg per oral daily for 4 weeks, while group E received glibenclamide at a dose of 0.6 mg/kg orally in addition. Fasting plasma glucose, antioxidant status (catalase and xanthine), malondialdehyde (MDA), liver function enzymes (AST and ALT) and bicarbonate ion (HC03 -) were assessed after 4 weeks. Results: Aqueous extract of Eucalyptus globulus leaves significantly reduced fasting plasma glucose level, MDA, HC03 -, and liver enzymes (P