Indigofera arrecta prevents the development of hyperglycaemia in the db/db mouse.

Abstract

Genetically obese diabetic and nondiabetic mice, and their lean littermates were used to evaluate an aqueous extract of Indigofera arrecta which is used for the treatment of diabetes. Control animals were given water instead of the extract over a 90 day period, and measurements of blood glucose and body weight were done at approximately 30-day intervals. The development of hyperglycaemia associated with the diabetic mice over a time period was absent when the mice were on the extract. Blood glucose levels of littermates of both mutant strains, and the mild hyperglycaemia of the obese nondiabetic mice were not affected. The extract significantly lowered the body weight of both types of obese mutant mice but did not affect the body weight of the littermates