In vitro and In vivo antidiabetic activity of the leaves of Ravenala madagascariensis Sonn., on alloxan induced diabetic rats

Ravenala madagascariensis Sonn., (Strelitziaceae) commonly known as Traveler’s palm has been widely used in traditional system of medicine for diabetes. The n-Hexane, ethylacetate, ethanol and aqueous leaf extracts of Ravenala madagascariensis were examined at a concentration of 50gram/litre using an in vitro method to assess the possible effects on glucose diffusion across the gastrointestinal tract and compared to control conducted in the absence of extracts. The ethanolic and aqueous extracts showed a significant inhibitory effect on glucose diffusion in vitro and accordingly were screened at 200 and 400mg/kg, b.w for the in vivo antidiabetic activity on alloxan induced diabetic rats. Glibenclamide (10mg/kg, b.w) used as reference standard. Both extracts showed a significant antidiabetic activity. The ethanolic extract was more effective in reducing the blood glucose levels during acute (p<0.001) and prolonged treatment (p<0.001) and were comparable with that of standard thus validating the traditional claim of the plant.