ANTIDIABETIC ACTIVITY OF SOME HERBAL DRUG PREPARATIONS USED BY KENYAN HERBALISTS

Abstract

Diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels in the human body due to lack of insulin or itsinsufficient production in the body. Its causes are genetics (Type 1) and inactivity (Type 2). In Kenya, over twomillion people have diabetes, with more susceptibility to urban people due to the erosion of traditional living andeating habits. The side effects of the conventional diabetes drugs are known but herbal drugs offer a suitablealternative. Four herbal drug preparations used by herbalists from Eastern Province, Kenya, were tested for their invivo anti-diabetic activity in alloxan induced diabetes in Swiss albino rats. Glucose was administered to the ratsorally and the blood glucose levels measured after 30 minutes. Herbal drug extracts were then administered andblood glucose levels monitored in intervals of 45 minutes for a period of 3 hours. The most active herbal drugpreparation lowered blood glucose level from the peak 190.8 ± 7.0 mg/dl to 111.0. ± 8.5 mg/dl, while theconventional drug, Diamicron, lowered glucose levels from 190.8 ±7.5 mg/dl to 125.5 ± 2.1 mg/dl. These effectswere found not to be significantly different (p > 0.05). Hence, herbal drug alternatives were effective.