ANTIDIABETIC ACTIVITY OF SOME HERBAL DRUG PREPARATIONS USED BY KENYAN HERBALISTS

Abstract

Diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels in the human body due to lack of insulin or its insufficient production in the body. Its causes are genetics (Type 1) and inactivity (Type 2). In Kenya, over two million people have diabetes, with more susceptibility to urban people due to the erosion of traditional living and eating habits. The side effects of the conventional diabetes drugs are known but herbal drugs offer a suitable alternative. Four herbal drug preparations used by herbalists from Eastern Province, Kenya, were tested for their in vivo anti-diabetic activity in alloxan induced diabetes in Swiss albino rats. Glucose was administered to the rats orally and the blood glucose levels measured after 30 minutes. Herbal drug extracts were then administered and blood glucose levels monitored in intervals of 45 minutes for a period of 3 hours. The most active herbal drug preparation lowered blood glucose level from the peak 190.8 ± 7.0 mg/dl to 111.0. ± 8.5 mg/dl, while the conventional drug, Diamicron, lowered glucose levels from 190.8 ±7.5 mg/dl to 125.5 ± 2.1 mg/dl. These effects were found not to be significantly different (p > 0.05). Hence, herbal drug alternatives were effective.