Abstract:
Aloe secundiflora has been used traditionally to manage many diseases including diabetes, however, its antidiabetic
activity and safety is not well evaluated. The aim of this study was to determine in vivo hypoglycemic activity and
safety of the aqueous stem bark extracts of this plant in male swiss white albino mice. The antidiabetic activity was
screened in alloxan induced diabetic mice using oral and intraperitoneal routes. The safety of the extract was studied
in mice that were orally and intraperitoneally administered with 1 g/kg body weight of the extract daily for 28 days
by recording changes in body and organ weights, hematological and biochemical parameters. Mineral composition
was estimated using total reflection X-ray fluorescence system and atomic absorption spectrometry. Phytochemical
composition was assessed using standard procedures. The extract showed significant and consistent hypoglycemic
activity at dose levels of 50 mg/kg body weight through oral route and 300 mg/kg body weight through intraperitoneal
route. Oral administration of 1 g/kg body weight of the extract decreased levels of platelets, alanine transaminase,
aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine and direct bilirubin while elevated the level of creatine
kinase. Reduction in the growth rate and increase in percent of organ to body weight of brain together with elevated
levels of mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, α-amylase, alkaline phosphatase,
total bilirubin and direct bilirubin were recorded in mice intraperitoneally administered with 1 g/kg body weight of the
extract. The extracts contained tannins, phenols, flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids. Sodium, Chlorine, Potassium,
Calcium, Titanium, Vanadium, Chromium, Manganese, Iron, Copper, Zinc, Arsenic, Cadmium, and Magnesium were
present in the extracts at levels below the recommended daily allowance. The observed hypoglycemic activity and slight
toxicity could be associated with the phytochemicals and mineral/trace elements present in this extract.
Currently available therapie
