In vivo anti-diabetic effects of aqueous leaf extracts of Rhoicissus tridentata in alloxan induced diabetic mice

The drawbacks associated with conventional anti-diabetic agents have largely stimulated desire for alternative and complementary anti-diabetic agents, majority of which are plant-derived. The medicinal plant, Rhoicissus tridentata has been used extensively in traditional medical practice against various ailments. However, its ethno medicinal use against diabetes mellitus has not been scientifically evaluated and validated. This study was, therefore, designed to evaluate the anti-diabetic potential of aqueous leaf extracts of Rhoicissus tridentata in alloxan induced diabetic mice. As the results show, the aqueous leaf extracts of Rhoicissus tridentata showed anti-diabetic activity. The intraperitoneal route of herbal extract administration was found to be more effective than the oral route. Further, qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening of aqueous leaf extracts of Rhoicissus tridentata indicated the presence of phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and saponins. However, cardiac glycosides and phylobatanins were not detected.