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Investigation of hypoglycemic activity of four extracts of Petiveria alliacea (Guinea hen weed) in normoglycemic experimental rat models

Petiveria alliacea has ethno‐traditional use as a hypoglycemic in Jamaica. These anecdotal claims however, are yet to be scientifically validated. In this study, we evaluated the hypoglycemic activity of four extracts from P. alliacea in normoglycemic experimental rat models. Crude extracts were prepared from the aerial parts of P. alliacea and single oral doses (200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) were assessed for hypoglycemic activity in overnight fasted normoglycemic rats and glucose loaded normoglycemic rats. Blood glucose level was estimated at 30 minute intervals for 3 h using Accu‐chek Active glucometer and test strips. The aqueous, ethanol, ethyl acetate and hexane extracts produced no significant decline in fasting blood glucose (FBG). No significant improvement in glucose tolerance was observed following treatment with the extracts. However, the aqueous extract at 400 mg/kg increased FBG from 4.75±0.69 mmol/L to 5.88±1.14 after 3 h when compared to the vehicle treated group (P=<0.00001). Glybenclamide decreased FBG from 4.25±0.24 to 2.52±0.46 (P=0.0007) and improved glucose tolerance (P=<0.001). These results indicate that Petiveria alliacea demonstrates no significant hypoglycemic activity in normoglycemic rats. By contrast, the aqueous extract at high doses appears to possess a hyperglycemic effect. This will be evaluated in further studies. Funding: UWI, Office of Graduate Studies & Research