Evaluation of hypoglycemic effect of Lagerstroemia speciosa (Banaba) leaf extract in alloxan induced diabetic rabbits

Aims and Objectives: Lagerstroemia speciosa (Banaba) whose tea obtained from the leaves has long been used traditionally in the treatment of Diabetes mellitus in South Asian countries, especially the Philippines. In this study we investigated the effect of leaf extract of Lagerstroemia speciosa on fasting blood glucose levels at different doses in Alloxan induced diabetic rabbits. Materials and Methods: Diabetes mellitus was induced by a single intravenous injection of Alloxan monohydrate at a dose of 150mg/kg in rabbits. Banaba leaf extract was given orally once a day for 10 weeks. In three graded doses of 100, 400 and 800 mg/kg respectively. The results were compared with standard antidiabetic drug Metformin (62.5mg/kg orally) Results: The elevated blood glucose levels in diabetic rabbits were significantly decreased by treatment with Banaba leaf extract at doses of 400 and 800mg/kg. The hypoglycemic effect of Banaba Leaf Extract at a dose 800mg/kg was comparable to Metformin (62.5mg/kg). No significant difference between Banaba Leaf Extract 800mg/kg and Metformin was observed. Conclusion: Based on these results, we suggest that Banaba leaf extract has favourable effects in protecting the Alloxan induced hyperglycemia.