Effect of Methanolic Extract of Passiflora foetida on Glucose Kinetics in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Mice

Background: This study investigated the hypoglycemic potential of methanolic extract of Passiflora foetida (PF) in alloxan-induced diabetic albino mice. Diabetes is a metabolic disease characterized with high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period. Discovery of a new drug will greatly reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with the disease.

Methods: Diabetes was induced in albino mice by administration of 150 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) alloxan. Different concentrations of the methanolic extract of PF was prepared and administered orally to groups of alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Blood glucose was determine at different time point over 4 hrs.

Results: The extract reduced blood glucose levels in diabetic mice significantly (P<0.001) and the kinetic parameters such as, area under glucose concentration time curve (AUC0-4hG) (P<0.05), glucose mean residence time (MRTG), glucose t1/2G were significantly lower (<0.05) in PF treated groups when compared with the control groups. The rate of glucose clearance (CLG) was high in the group treated with the extract.

Conclusion: The results of this study indicate presence of hypoglycemic constituent in the plant.