dc.description.abstract | Lantana rhodesiensis
Linn is used traditionally in the management of several diseases including diabetes mellitus;
however, its efficacy and safety is not scientifically evaluated. The aim of this study was to determine
in vivo
hypoglycemic
activity and safety of aqueous extracts of
L. rhodesiensis
in white male albino rats. Aqueous extracts were screened
for their hypoglycemic activity in alloxan induced diabetic rats using the oral and intraperitoneal routes. The safety of
these extracts was studied in rats orally or intraperitoneally administered with 1 g/kg body weight daily for 28 days by
recording the changes in body and organ weight, hematological and biochemical parameters and histology. Mineral
compositions of the extracts were estimated using total reflection X-Ray Fluorescence System (TRXF) while the types
of phytochemicals present were assessed using standard procedures. Aqueous extracts orally and intraperitoneally
administered at 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg body weight demonstrated hypoglycemic activity with the intraperitoneal
route being more effective than the oral route. Oral and intraperitoneal dose of 1 g/kg body weight of the extracts
significantly reduced the body weight gain, increased the testis and spleen, and decreased the lung weight; reduced the
hemoglobin levels, red blood cell count, packed cell volume and increased the neutrophil count; decreased the activity
of γ-glutamyltransferase and histologically mildly reduced lymphoid follicles. Orally, the same dose decreased the red
blood cell count, packed cell volume, mean cell volume, monocyte and platelet count; increased the activity of lactate
dehydrogenase, and creatine kinase. The extract contained phenols, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, sterols, terpenoids,
cardiac glycosides, phylobatannins, resins, and bound anthrax quinones. Potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, lead
and zinc levels in the extracts were below the recommended daily allowance. In conclusion, the observed hypoglycemic
activity and slight toxicity could be associated with the phytonutrients present in this plant. This study recommends use
of this plant as herbal medicine | en_US |