EFFECT OF MORUS ALBA LEAF EXTRACT ON STREPTOZOCIN-INDUCED DIABETES IN MICE

The Moruseae family is widely used in traditional medicine for lowering blood sugar level. In this study, the effect of Morus alba leaf extract, on the blood sugar level of mice, was investigated. Extraction was carried out by the maceration method and measurement of blood sugar level was made by the orthotoluidine method. In order to induce diabetes in mice, streptozocin (100 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally. Various doses of aqueous, alcoholic and hydro-alcoholic extracts of Morus alba leaves (150, 200, 300 and 350 mg/kg) were administrated orally. Statistical analysis was done by ANOVA and Newman-Keuls tests. Results showed that the 250 mg/kg of hydro-alcoholic extract had the most significant effect in lowering the fasting blood sugar level of mice. Using the glucose tolerance test, optimal blood glucose lowering effect was observed 75 minutes after administration of this extract. Oral administration of glibenclamide (20 mg/kg) did not decrease the blood sugar of diabetic mice significantly. After administering 1600 mg/kg of the extract no fatal effect was observed within 72 hours. It seems that Morus alba leaf extract lowers blood sugar level in mice by increasing cellular glucose uptake.