Effect of Peristrophe bicalyculata powder on diabetic and lipid parameters in the stomach of albino rats

Peristrophe bicalyculata is a herbaceous plants which belongs to the family Acanthaceae. The Hausas call it tubanin dawaki in Nigeria, which means horse flour. In Senegal the serer and Wolof language call it buben and moto.1 It is called chotiharjori2 by the Indore zone of the Indians. Naturally it is found in the warm tropical areas of Africa, in the sahel area of Mauritania, northern part of Nigeria and also in Thailand, India and Burma. The plant is used locally in the treatment of diabetes in the south western part of Nigeria. The plant is a stimulant, stomachic and a diuretic. Chewing the plant leaves suppresses the sweet and bitter in it. The consumers of this usually expects a reducing effect on weight and betterment of diabetes due to its ability to reduce taste of sweet and prevent the absorption of glucose by the cells. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood sugar level, abnormalities in lipoprotein metabolism and intermediary embolism of major food substances.3 Rare cases of hepatic inflammation induced by anthraquinone have been documented,4 and are dose depended. Anthrax quinines are metabolised in the small intestines, forming hepatic toxic substances that some people are sensitive to. This substances result to reversible liver abnormality. Gastrointestinal disorder is one of the prevailing reasons why people seek medical advice. About approximately 15– 30% of full grown adults suffer from this condition. The discovery of functional drugs is one of the major areas of phototherapeutic treatment today. From the day immemorial, bitter herbal drugs from neem or vernonia amyygdalina has been implicated in the treatment of patients with dyspeptic complaint. The mechanism of action of how this bitter herb elicits their biological function is not fully understood. But it is believed stimulate the stomach secretion, digestive glands and strengthens gastrointestinal tract thus stimulating the CNS, leading to notification. Bitters, especially at a very high dose affect positively the mucous membrane lining of the stomach and bowel. They are usually combined with essential oil, which are known for their spasmolytic, aesthetic and carminative effect.5 This study shows the effect of various concentrations of Peristrophe bicalyculata in albino rats. Methodology