EVALUATION OF Flemingia macrophylla L., A TRADITIONALLY USED PLANT OF THE NORTH EASTERN REGION OF INDIA FOR HYPOGLYCEMIC AND ANTI-HYPERGLYCEMIC EFFECT ON MICE

Abstract

Summary Leaves of Flemingia macrophylla (Family-Fabaceae) traditionally used by local health practitioners as folk remedy in the North Eastern Region of India have been evaluated for its hypoglycemic and anti-diabetic activity. The effects of different doses (150-450 mg/kg b.w.) of crude aqueous methanolic (1:4) extract administered to normal and alloxan-induced diabetic mice varied with the dosage used. At 250 mg/kg body weight, the blood glucose level was reduced to 37% and 39% from that of control in normal and diabetic mice respectively, indicating a hypoglycemic and anti- hyperglycemic activity. No sign of toxicity at this dose was observed. However, dosage of 350mg/kg body weight and above was toxic to the mice. Glibenclamide, Metformin and Insulin were used as reference drugs for comparison.