Antihyperglycemic Activity of Leaf Essential Oil of Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck on Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats
Published: 2013-07-28
Page: 825-834
Issue: 2013 - Volume 3 [Issue 4]
N. O. Muhammad
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Nigeria.
O. Soji-Omoniwa *
Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, Nigeria.
L. A. Usman
Department of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, Nigeria.
B. P. Omoniwa
Ethnopharmacology/Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Jos, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the antihyperglycemic activity of leaf essential oil of Citrus sinensis (Rutaceae) in alloxan –induced diabetic rats.
Methodology: Diabetes was induced in albino rats by intraperitoneal administration of single dose of alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg body weight). The leaf essential oil of Citrus sinensis at a dose of 110 mg/kg b.wt was administered every other day to the diabetic rats for a period of 15 days. The effects of leaf essential oil on blood glucose, hepatic glucose and glycogen were evaluated. 14.2 mg/kg body weight of metformin was used as a reference drug.
Results: Intraperitoneal administration of the oil to diabetic rats led to a significant reduction (P = .05) of fasting blood glucose and hepatic glucose levels while hepatic glycogen significantly increased (P = .05) when compared to diabetic control animals.
Conclusion: It is concluded that leaf essential oil of Citrus sinensis possesses significant antihyperglycemic effect on alloxan – induced diabetic rats at the dose tested.
Keywords: Citrus sinensis, rutaceae, essential oil, antihyperglycemic, diabetic rats