Hypoglycaemic activity of selected European plants

Nine European plants were selected to be screened for hypoglycaemic activity. Selection criteria were based on traditional use and literature references. Total extracts of the plants were prepared by boiling the dried material with water or macerating it with 80% ethanol. Male Swiss mice were orally loaded with glucose after the extracts had been given by oral gavage. Four extracts improved the glucose tolerance: Adiantum capillus veneris, Daucus carota, Galega officinalis and Juglans regia. Further investigation will be focused on bioguided isolation of active fractions.