Abstract:
The methanolic root bark extract of Afzelia africana was tested for antidiabetic activities in-vivo. The acute toxicity of the extract was tested in mice and the result showed that the extract has low toxicity. Investigation on the phytochemical constituents of the plant extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, steroids and saponins.
The plant extract was tested for antidiabetic activities in alloxan - induced diabetic mice at doses; 62.5 mg/kg, 125 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg over a period of 6 hours. The extract was found to have antidiabetic activity. Optimum activity was noted at the dose of 250 mg/kg and 6 hours post treatment. The antidiabetic activity of the extract did not differ significantly (p>0.05) from that of glibenclamide.
Column and thin layer chromatography revealed the presence of five fractions in the plant extract with fraction 3 found to be the active fraction.
The free radical scavenging activity of the active fraction determined by in- vitro DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl 2-picryl hydrazine) and FRAP (Fehling’s reducing antioxidant power) Methods revealed that it has an antioxidant activity.
