Effects of Aloe barbadensis and Cymbopogon citratus on Blood Glucose Levels of Alloxan–Induced Diabetic Albino Rats

Abstract

Diabetes is a heterogeneous complex metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose concentration, and glycosuria resulting from insulin deficiency. This project was embarked upon to investigate the effects of Aloe barbadensis and Cymbopogon citratus on blood glucose levels of alloxan – induced diabetic adult albino rats. The 24-hour acute toxicity test (LD50) of the orally administered combined Aloe vera and lemon grass ethanolic extract was determined using the Lorke’s method. The fasting blood glucose levels were determined using glucose strips and glucometer. The toxicity test revealed that LD50 of the combined ethanolic extract of C. citratus and A. barbadensis was >5.0g/kg body weight. The result showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in the fasting blood glucose levels of the diabetic untreated animals compared with the fasting blood glucose levels of the normal control animals after inducing diabetes. There was also a significant (P<0.05) decrease in the fasting blood glucose levels of the animals treated with ethanolic extract of Aloe vera gel, lemon grass leaves and its combination when compared with the diabetic untreated. It could be concluded that that Aloe vera, lemon grass or its combination can be used as an alternative medicine for the treatment and management of diabetes mellitus.