Pharmacological studies of two antidiabetic plants: Globularia alypum and Zygophyllum gaetulum.

Abstract

Investigations were carried out to evaluate the hypoglycaemic activity of the infusions of Globularia alypum and Zygophyllum gaetulum. Oral and intraperitoneal administration of the plants (0.7 g/kg) produced a significant hypoglycaemic effect in normal as well as in hyperglycaemic rats. The infusions increased significantly plasma insulin levels in normal rats. It is suggested that the hypoglycaemic activity of these plants may be mediated through enhancement of peripheral metabolism of glucose and an increase in insulin release.