Indigofera arrecta: Safety evaluation of an antidiabetic plant extract in non-diabetic human volunteers

Abstract

In order to exclude the effects of diabetes and its complications on the results, this paper examined the effects of I. arrecta extract in 12 healthy young male adult non-diabetic Ghanaians. Volunteers were given a physical examination before and after the administration of plant extract. Similarly blood pressure (systolic and diastolic, in mmHg) were also taken before and after administration of the extract. Effects of the extract on fasting blood glucose, haematological indices, and liver and kidney functions were investigated. Fasting blood specimens were collected from each subject before, during and after the study. Levels of marker enzymes and metabolites for liver and kidney status, and haematological indices were measured. Urine volume and creatinine content were also measured. I. arrecta extract did not alter the mean systolic and diastolic pressures. Fasting blood glucose also did not change. Serum marker enzymes and metabolites for hepatic and renal functions remained normal. However, Indigofera arrecta extract increased the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and decreased lymphocyte concentration in the blood. The data suggest that I. arrecta may not have overt toxic reactions but could affect the immune status of users