Antidiabetic activity and acute toxicity evaluation of aqueous leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina

The present study was aimed to explore the therapeutic dose for antidiabetic activity and toxicological evaluation of Vernonia amygdalina (Va) aqueous extract in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Aqueous extract of leaves of Va was administered to alloxan induced diabetic rats in a dose of 150 and 300 mg/kg (orally) daily for 14 days. After this period, blood glucose level, haematological parameters and liver enzymes activities were evaluated. Also evaluated were food and water intake, urine output and body weight of the animals. The toxic effect of the aqueous leaves extract was evaluated by determining the LD sub(50). Oral administration of the extract at graded doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg body weight showed significant decrease in the blood glucose level in diabetic rats (P