Abstract:
Clinical laboratory data on six male diabetic patients attending an out-patient clinic at the Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine (CSRPM) were used to evaluate the therapeutic and possible toxic effects of Indigofera arrecta, a plant used at CSRPM for the control of diabetes mellitus. Levels of plasma glucose and serum triacylglycerol (TG) were used as indices for therapeutic effect; serum proteins, bilirubin, cholesterol and the enzymes gamma glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, and the aminotransferases for hepatotoxic effects; and blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and its clearance rate as indices of nephrotoxicity. Hematological indices were also measured. The results show that an aqueous extract of I. arrecta administered orally, significantly lowered blood glucose levels during the first 2 weeks of administration. Levels of serum TG and aspartate aminotransferase were significantly lowered at the end of the 12 week treatment period. There was also a significant decrease in blood creatinine levels accompanied by an increase in creatinine clearance rate. Other metabolites, enzymes, excretory products and hematological indices that were determined were not affected. The results indicate that the mode of action of the plant extract is not primarily through lowering of blood glucose.