Glucose lowering effect of leaf extracts of Viscum Album in normal and diabetic rats

BACKGROUND: The use of plants in the treatment of diabetes mellitus is a well-established practice in traditional medicine. Viscum album has been recommended for the treatment of several diseases. This study evaluated the glucose lowering effect of leaf extracts of this plant in normal and streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. METHODS: Leaf extracts of Viscum album were prepared with 80 % ethanol and administered to normal and diabetic New Zealand white rats. The LDso was determined by the Karbar method. The glucose lowering effect was assessed in these animals in comparison to normal saline and glibenclamide. Blood glucose was estimated with the aid of a glucose sensor. RESULTS: The LDso was 1520 mg/kg. A dose dependent lowering effect of the fasting blood glucose was observed in both the normal and diabetic rats, with maximum lowering occurring 6 hours after extract administration. The patterns ofeffect were similar to that produced by glibenc1amide. CONCLUSIONS: Leaf extracts of Viscum album showed a significant glucose lowering effect in normal and diabetic rats. Extracts from this plant could therefore, be useful in controlling blood glucose level.