PLANT CELL BIOTECHNOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Vernonia amygdalina, known locally as Africa leaves, is used to reduce blood sugar level. This study aimed to acquire scientific confirmation of the in vivo antidiabetic activity of the V. amygdalina ethanol extract in albino rats. The extract was tested in 25 male and 25 female rats. The test animals were separated into five groups: positive control, negative control, and three extract concentrations (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg body weight; BW). Diabetes was induced by administration of alloxan (150 mg/kg BW), and rats were observed for 15 days. Body weight was measured on days 0 and 15. Blood glucose was tested using a spectrophotometer-based technique. The V. amygdalina ethanol extract showed the highest antidiabetic activity at 300 mg/kg BW for both male and female rats. The decrease in blood glucose level at this concentration was 50.18% and 53.68% for male and female rats, respectively (p< 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in body weight (P > 0.05). The effective dose (ED₅₀) was found to be 295.78 mg/kg BW and 246.06 mg/kg BW for male and female rats, respectively. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the V. amygdalina ethanol extract has potential for use as a treatment for diabetes.