Evaluation of clastogenic potential of the antimalarial plant Solanum nudum

Compounds isolated from Solanum nudum have shown in vitro antimalarial activity against the FCB-2 strain of Plasmodium falciparum. Diosgenone (C27H40O3) the main component isolated from the hexane extract and an aqueous extract were evaluated to measure their clastogenic potential using the micronucleus test. Three concentrations (16, 32 and 64 g/kg of weight) of the aqueous extract were administered intraperitoneally into mice, (the highest concentration corresponded to 80% LD50) and diosgenone solubilized in olive oil was inoculated at the highest concentration possible (11.187 g/kg of weight). After administration of the compounds, no induction of micronucleus was observed either in polychromatic or normochromatic erythrocytes. Interestingly, a reduction of 51% in the young/mature erythrocytes ratio was seen in cells treated with aqueous extract. We conclude that neither diosgenone nor the aqueous extract have clastogenic activity, and that the aqueous extract showed some toxicity at the above mentioned concentrations. These results are significant since diosgenone could be a new therapeutic alternative for the treatment of malaria.     

Inhibition of clastogenic effects of nicotine by chlorophyllin in mice bone marrow cells in vivo

The effect of chlorophyllin in modifying the clastogenic action of nicotine was tested in vivo on mice bone marrow cells. Nicotine, when administered by gavage, induced chromosomal aberrations in frequencies directly proportional to the dose. Maximum effects were recorded at 6 h after exposure. Chlorophyllin, when given alone, was not clastogenic even at the highest concentration (1.50 mg/kg body wt). Simultaneous administration of nicotine and chlorophyllin with even lower doses (1.25 and 0.77 mg/kg body wt) reduced the frequency of chromosomal aberrations to the normal level. Chlorophyllin alone, given 2 h before nicotine, however, did not counteract the effects of nicotine. The use of green plant parts in modifying the genotoxicity of different agents may be related to the protective action of chlorophyllin.     

The modulatory effects of the volatile oil of ginger on the cellular immune response in vitro and in vivo in mice

The aim of this study was to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of the volatile oil of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) in vitro and in vivo in mice. In vitro, the volatile oil of ginger (0.001-10 ng/mL) significantly inhibited T lymphocyte proliferation (P < 0.01), decreased the number of the total T lymphocytes and T helper cells (P < 0.01) in a concentration-dependent manner, but increased the percentage of T suppressor cells to the total T lymphocytes in the mice. In addition, the volatile oil of ginger (0.001-10 ng/mL) inhibited IL-1alpha secretion by the mice peritoneal macrophages in a concentration-dependent manner. In vivo, oral administration of the volatile oil of ginger in the doses of 0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 g/kg body weight dose-dependently weakened the delayed type of hypersensitivity response to 2,4-dinitro-1-fluorobenzene in the sensitized mice (P < 0.05). These results suggest that the volatile oil of ginger influences both cell-mediated immune response and nonspecific proliferation of T lymphocyte, and may exert beneficial effects in a number of clinical conditions, such as chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases.     

Evaluation of the genotoxic potential of the isocoumarin paepalantine in in vivo and in vitro mammalian systems

Paepalantine is an isocoumarin isolated from Paepalanthus vellozioides which showed antimicrobial activity in in vitro experiments. In the present study, paepalantine was tested for possible clastogenic and cytotoxic action. Cultures from different individuals were treated with paepalantine at concentrations of 20, 40 and 80 microg/ml. The effect of isocoumarin was also tested in an in vivo assay using Wistar rat bone marrow cells. Paepalantine was administered intraperitoneally at concentrations of 6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg/kg body weight. Under these conditions paepalantine did not have a clastogenic effect, but was significantly cytotoxic in the in vitro and in vivo mammalian cell systems tested in the present work.     

Evaluation of chemopreventive action and antimutagenic effect of the standardized Panax ginseng extract, EFLA400, in Swiss albino mice

In the present investigation the chemopreventive action and antimutagenic effects of a standardized Panax Ginseng extract (EFLA400, processed Panax ginseng extract containing a high titre of ginsenoside Rg3 (>3.0% w/w) known as Phoenix ginseng) in Swiss albino mice have been evaluated. The oral administration of EFLA400 at 1, 3 and 10 mg/kg body weight at pre, peri and post-initiational phases, showed significant reductions in the number, size and weight of the papillomas. A significant reduction in tumour incidence (71.41 +/- 6.73%, 72.19 +/- 4.54% and 70.46 +/- 0.38% at 1, 3 and 10 mg/kg body weight, respectively) was observed in animals in the EFLA400 treated group compared with 100% tumour incidence in the control group. The cumulative number of papillomas during an observation period of 16 weeks was significantly reduced in the EFLA400 treated group (24 +/- 0.94, 16 +/- 1.41 and 11 +/- 1.41 at 1, 3 and 10 mg/kg body weight, respectively). However, the average latent period was significantly increased from 10.81 +/- 0.1 weeks in the control group to 12.39 +/- 0.28 weeks in the treated group (10 mg/kg body weight). The average tumour weight was recorded as 128.55 +/- 8.48, 116.00 +/- 8.48 and 57.5 +/- 3.29 mg in 1, 3 and 10 mg/kg body weight EFLA400 treated groups respectively. Chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei induction was also evaluated in bone marrow cells. These genotoxicity end-points were compared with papilloma occurrence at the same dose levels of carcinogen and ginseng. In the EFLA400 treated groups significantly reduced frequencies of chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei induced by DMBA and croton oil were observed. However, the maximum decrease in the frequencies of chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei were recorded in the 10 mg/kg body weight EFLA400 treated group than that of the 1 and 3 mg/kg body weight EFLA400 treated animals. The results from the present study suggest the dose dependent effectiveness of EFLA400 in chemoprevention and antimutagenicity in Swiss albino mice.     

Evaluation of the genotoxic and antigenotoxic potential of Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala D.C. in different cells of mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala D.C. has been extensively used in Brazilian traditional medicine to treat gastric ulcer.

Aim of the study

This study was conducted to evaluate the in vivo genotoxic and/or antigenotoxic potential of a Brassica oleraceae hydroalcoholic extract obtained from the leaves, in different cells of mice.

Materials and methods

Analyses were performed using the comet assay, on leukocytes (collected 4 and 24 h after treatment), liver, brain, bone marrow and testicular cells (collected 24 h after treatment), and using the micronucleus test (MN) in bone marrow cells. Eight groups of albino Swiss mice were treated (N=6): control (C), positive control (doxorubicin 80 mg/kg (DXR)), and six experimental groups, which received 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg of Brassica oleraceae extract alone by gavage, while a further three groups received the same doses plus DXR (80 mg/kg). We calculated the damage scores, and their averages were compared by ANOVA followed by the Tukey test for multiple comparisons.

Results

The results demonstrated that none of the tested doses of Brassica oleraceae extract showed genotoxic effects by the comet assay, or clastogenic effects by the MN test. On the other hand, for all cells evaluated, the three tested doses of the Brassica extract promoted inhibition of DNA damage induced by DXR.

Conclusions

Under our experimental conditions, Brassica oleraceae leaf extract showed no genotoxic or clastogenic effects in different cells of mice. However, it did show a significant decrease in DNA damage induced by doxorubicin. It is suggested that the antigenotoxic properties of this extract may be of great pharmacological importance, and may be beneficial for cancer prevention.     

黄芪多糖对小鼠树突状细胞前体的体内诱导研究

目的探讨黄芪多糖(astragalus polysaccharide,APS)在体内是否具有诱导小鼠髓源性树突状细胞(dendritic cell,DC)分化和成熟作用,以阐释APS药理作用机制。方法分别设对照组及APS100、200mg/kg剂量组,腹腔注射,体内诱导小鼠髓源性DC前体和未成熟DC,称量脾重,ELISA检测血清中GM-CSF表达量,倒置显微镜观察细胞生长状态,电镜检测细胞形态,流式细胞仪检测CD11c、MHC-Ⅱ类分子及协同刺激分子CD80、CD86表达水平。结果APS注射7d后,APS100、200mg/kg组小鼠脾脏重量均较对照组有明显增加(P<0.01),骨髓细胞体外分离并经rmGM-CSF、rmIL-4诱导培养后,流式细胞检测结果显示:APS100、200mg/kg组CD11c、MHC-Ⅱ类分子表达水平高于对照组(P<0.05),但CD80、CD86表达量较对照组无明显差异;血清中GM-CSF表达量,结果与对照组无明显差异。结论APS能诱导小鼠髓源性DC前体分化为DC,并可能有促进DC成熟的作用,但此作用并非通过刺激机体GM-CSF细胞因子的分泌而发挥作用。     

Sensitization of a tumor, but not normal tissue, to the cytotoxic effect of ionizing radiation using Panax notoginseng extract.

The aim of the present study was to investigate any sensitization effect of the Panax notoginseng extract (PNE) and the purified Saponin (Rb1) on the radiation response of an experimental tumor (KHT sarcoma) in mice, in comparison with any effects on a normal tissue (bone marrow). PNE at a concentration of 0.1-100 mg/kg produced an increase in tumor radiosensitivity. The sensitization effect was maximal at 10 mg/kg and at 30 minutes after injection. Higher doses were toxic to the bone marrow stem cells. Similarly Rb1 at a concentration 0.001 to 1 mg/kg also produced an increase in tumor radiosensitivity, with maximum effect at 1 mg/kg. Higher doses were not toxic to the bone marrow stem cells in this case. Radiosensitization factors were calculated as ratios of D0 (the radiosensitivity parameter), and these were highly significant for the tumor and very similar for both compounds at the doses used, namely 1.18-1.19. There was no significant effect for bone marrow stem cells (sensitization factors of 0.99 +/- 0.01 for both compounds). The differential effect on tumor, and the magnitude of the radiosensitization, suggest that further purified or synthetic versions of this extract may be useful not only in vascular-related diseases but also in cancer therapy.     

Genotoxic assessment of Rubus imperialis (Rosaceae) extract in vivo and its potential chemoprevention against cyclophosphamide-induced DNA damage

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Rubus imperialis Cham. Schl. (Rosaceae) is frequently used in traditional medicine as hypoglycemic, antinociceptive and antiviral remedy.

Materials and methods

Swiss albino mice were distributed in eight groups for acute treatment with Rubus imperialis extract (24 h). The extract doses selected were 50, 250 and 500 mg/kg b.w. administered by gavage alone or plus to CPA (50 mg/kg b.w.) administered by intraperitoneal injection. Control groups were treated in a similar way. Analyses were performed using the comet assay, on leukocytes (collected 4 and 24 h after treatment) and liver (collected 24 h after treatment), and using the micronucleus test (MN) in bone marrow cells. Cytotoxicity was assessed by scoring 200 consecutive polychromatic (PCE) and normochromatic (NCE) erythrocytes (PCE/NCE ratio).

Results and conclusion

The main compounds identified in the Rubus imperialis extract were saponins and steroidal compounds, with niga-ichigoside and tormentic acid being the major compounds. Tested doses of Rubus imperialis extract showed no genotoxic effects on leukocytes from peripheral blood or liver cells by the comet assay. However, the MN test showed an increase in the frequency of micronucleated cells at the two higher doses tested, indicating that this extract has clastogenic/aneugenic effects on bone marrow cells at higher doses. On the other hand, for all cells evaluated, the three tested doses of the Rubus imperialis extract promoted inhibition of DNA damage induced by CPA. Despite the chemoprevention observed, the clastogenicity/aneugenicity observed suggested caution about either continuous or high-dose usage of Rubus imperialis aerial parts extract by humans.     

艾叶油对小鼠的遗传毒理学研究

目的:探讨艾叶油对成年小鼠及胚胎鼠的遗传毒性。方法:采用一次性小鼠灌胃急性毒性试验、小鼠骨髓嗜多染红细胞微核试验、小鼠胚胎肝转移微核试验、小鼠精子畸形试验。结果:艾叶油经小鼠口灌胃给药LD50为4.11ml/kg;艾叶油灌胃剂量2ml/kg时,孕鼠和雄鼠诱发的胚胎肝微核率、骨髓微核率和精子畸形率均较对照组显著升高(P<0.05)。艾叶油灌胃剂量为1ml/kg时,诱发的胚胎肝微核率较对照组显著升高(P<0.05),骨髓微核率与精子畸形率与对照组相比无显著性差异。艾叶油灌胃剂量为0.5ml/kg时,诱发的胚胎肝微核率、骨髓微核率、精子畸形率与对照组相比均无显著性差异。结论:一定剂量的艾叶挥发油对小鼠具有潜在的遗传毒性,并呈剂量-反应关系。     

去甲斑蝥素对小鼠免疫系统的影响

目的:观察去甲斑蝥素(norcantharidin,NCTD)对小鼠免疫器官及免疫细胞功能的影响。方法:小鼠注射 NCTD 5天,测量脾重;跟踪骨髓有核细胞数量变化;MTT 法测定脾 T 淋巴细胞转化率;脾 Tc 淋巴细胞毒性试验。结果:NCTD 1mg/kg 每日注射1次,对小鼠免疫器官及淋巴细胞功能无显著影响。每日注射2次,骨髓细胞数有一过性降低,但在停药后能较快恢复。结论:去甲斑蝥素对机体免疫系统及功能无明显损害。     

Comparison of the effects of crude extract of spinach-beet leaves and equivalent amounts of chlorophyll and chlorophyllin in modifying the clastogenic activity of chromium (VI) oxide in mice in vivo

The anticlastogenic activities of a crude extract of leaves of spinach-beet (Beta vulgaris var. benghalensis Hort.) and equivalent amounts of chlorophyll extracted from the leaves and of synthetic chlorophyllin in reducing cytotoxicity were compared following exposure of mice in vivo to a known clastogen chromium (VI) oxide. Male Swiss albino mice were administered orally the vegetable extract for 7 consecutive days and then exposed to the clastogen by gavage (20 mg/kg b wt). For comparison, equivalent amounts of extracted chlorophyll and synthetic chlorophyllin were administered to the mice, 2 h before exposure to the same dose of the metal. Chromosomes were studied from bone marrow cells 24 h after exposure, following colchicine-hypotonic-fixative-flame drying-Giemsa staining schedule. Chlorophyllin and the crude extract, when given alone, did not induce chromosomal aberrations and reduced the clastogenic effects induced by chromium (VI) oxide to a statistically significant level, indicating a protective action. Chlorophyll, however, produced a significant increase of chromosomal aberrations compared with control, when administered alone and was not able to reduce the clastogenicity of the metallic salt to a significant level.     

云南高海拔天然植物药益母草醇提物防辐射研究

目的:研究云南高海拔天然植物药益母草醇提物灌胃对辐射损伤小鼠的防护作用。方法:采用经典动物模型实验,验证云南高海拔益母草醇提物0.70g/kg、1.40g/kg、2.80g/kg灌胃下,60Coγ射线一次性全身照射6Gy后,对受照射小鼠的外周血像中白细胞、红细胞、血小板,骨髓DNA含量、骨髓有核细胞计数、脾集落形成和胸腺、脾指数的影响。结果:益母草醇提物0.70g/kg、1.40g/kg、2.80g/kg灌胃给药组小鼠白细胞和红细胞高于照射对照组,各给药组小鼠血小板高于照射对照组,给药组小鼠骨髓DNA、有核细胞计数高于照射对照组。结论:云南高海拔天然植物药益母草醇提物对辐射损伤小鼠造血系统有明显防护作用。     

针灸对小鼠骨髓细胞染色体畸变率、姊妹染色单体交换率的影响

目的:研究针灸的抗突变作用.方法:以小鼠为实验动物,以环磷酰胺为诱变剂.随机分正常对照组,阳性对照组,针灸预防Ⅰ、Ⅱ组,针灸治疗Ⅰ、Ⅱ组.针灸观察组针刺"足三里",艾灸"关元"穴,检测各组小鼠骨髓细胞染色体畸变率、姊妹染色单体交换率的差异.结果:阳性对照组与正常对照组比较,骨髓细胞染色体畸变率和姊妹染色单体交换率明显升高,而针灸各组与阳性对照组比较明显降低(P<0.01).结论:针灸可以拮抗由环磷酰胺诱导的小鼠骨髓细胞染色体畸变率和姊妹染色单体交换率的升高.针灸具有抗突变作用.     

Difference in the effects of radioprotection between aerial and root parts of Lycium chinense

Radiation protection from bone marrow death by consecutive injections of crude extracts from different parts of Lycium chinense (LC), root (LCR) and aerial part (LCA), before whole body X-irradiation was confirmed by tests with ICR strain mice. Both extracts were effective after intraperitoneal injection of a high dose, once a day, for seven consecutive days before irradiation. Based on the studies of endogenous hematopoietic spleen colony formation (CFUs), and the postirradiation behavior of hematograms and hematocrits, it was demonstrated that the LCR protects mice more effective when given in a dose of 500 mg/kg. Enhanced CFUs was found in the irradiation range of 4-8 Gy by various treatments. Recovery of leukocyte, erythrocyte and thrombocyte counts was significantly stimulated by the extract of LCR with 500 mg/kg administration. Stimulated recovery by the extract from the LCR was also observed in hematocrit. On the contrary, the extracts of both LCA and LCR did not markedly affect recovery of leukocyte, erythrocyte, thrombocyte counts and hematocrits by 250 mg/kg administration. It could be deduced that the uncertainly radioprotective action is induced by a possible process of enhanced regeneration of the hematopoietic stem cells due to either enhanced postirradiation repair or an increased proliferation of the hematopoietic stem cells under the suitable extract administration.     

Protective effect of ginger volatile oil against acetic acid-induced colitis in rats: a light microscopic evaluation

OBJECTIVE: Ulcerative colitis is a chronically recurrent infl ammatory bowel disease of unknown origin. In the present study, the effect of ginger(rhizome of Zing iber officinale Roscoe) volatile oil on a rat model of colitis was evaluated. METHODS: Volatile oil of ginger with doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, prednisolone(4 mg/kg), or vehicle were administered orally to groups of male Wistar rats(n = 6) for 5 d. Animals were randomly divided into 6 groups, each group consisting of 6 rats. Colitis was induced by intracolonic instillation of 2 mL of 4%(v/v) acetic acid solution. All rats were sacrificed 24 h later and the tissue injuries were assessed macroscopically and histopathologically. RESULTS: Ginger volatile oil with all doses reduced colon weight/length ratio(P 0.01) and the effects were similar to the reference drugs. Higher oral doses of volatile oil(200 and 400 mg/kg) reduced ulcer severity(P 0.05 and P 0.01), ulcer area(P 0.01) and ulcer index(P 0.01). On the other hand, evaluation of microscopic scores showed that the dose of 400 mg/kg of volatile oil was effective to reduce infl ammation severity(P 0.01) and infl ammation extent(P 0.05) compared to the control group.CONCLUSION: It is concluded that ginger volatile oil could effectively reduce symptoms of experimental colitis in a dose-dependent manner.     

益血生髓颗粒对苯试剂诱导的再生障碍性贫血小鼠造血功能及T细胞亚群的影响

目的:研究益血生髓颗粒对苯试剂诱导的再生障碍性贫血(AA)模型小鼠造血及免疫功能的影响。方法:72只SPF级BALB/c小鼠随机分为正常对照组、AA模型组、益血生髓颗粒低剂量组(低剂量组)、益血生髓颗粒高剂量组(高剂量组)和司坦唑醇阳性药组(阳性对照组),除正常对照组其他各组小鼠注射苯和玉米油混合液2 ml/kg,每周4次,建立AA模型,正常组注射同体积玉米油,7周后,低剂量组用药1.2 g/(kg·d),高剂量组用药4.8 g/(kg·d),阳性对照药组予司坦唑醇2 mg/(kg·d),连续给药15 d后,检测血细胞(WBC、RBC、HGB、PLT)、骨髓有核细胞数(BMNC)、T淋巴细胞亚群(CD3⁺CD4⁺、CD3⁺CD8⁺、Th₁、Th₂)、血清白介素2(IL-2)、粒细胞集落刺激因子(G-CSF)、巨噬细胞集落刺激因子(M-CSF)和HE染色骨髓病理学的变化情况。结果:与AA模型组比较,低、高剂量组和阳性对照组小鼠外周血四种血细胞数量、血清M-CSF、CD3⁺CD4⁺T和CD4⁺/CD8⁺比值升高(P<0.05),CD3⁺CD8⁺T、IL-2水平和Th₂细胞百分数降低(P<0.05),骨髓病理学显示骨髓组织增生较模型组活跃,造血细胞增多,非造血细胞减少。结论:益血生髓颗粒可通过对AA小鼠T细胞亚群的免疫调节和促进造血细胞增殖达到一定恢复造血功能的作用。     

Genotoxicity assessment of Garcinia achachairu Rusby (Clusiaceae) extract in mammalian cells in vivo

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Garcinia achachairu Rusby (Clusiaceae) is popularly known as “achachairu”, and is used in Bolivian folk medicine for its healing, digestive, and laxative properties, and in the treatment of gastritis, rheumatism and inflammation. Despite its widespread therapeutic use, there is a lack of data regarding its in vivo genotoxic effects. Therefore, in this study, we used the comet assay and the micronucleus test, respectively, to evaluate the possible genotoxic and clastogenic effects of Garcinia achachairu seed extract (GAE) on different cells of mice.

Material and methods

The GAE was administered by oral gavage at doses of 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg. For the analysis, the comet assay was performed on the leukocytes (collected 4 and 24 h after treatment), liver, bone marrow and testicular cells (collected 24 h after treatment), and the micronucleus test (MN) on bone marrow cells. Cytotoxicity was assessed by scoring 200 consecutive polychromatic (PCE) and normochromatic (NCE) erythrocytes (PCE/NCE ratio).

Results and conclusion

The results showed that GAE did not induce significant DNA damage in leukocytes (4 h and 24 h samples), liver, bone marrow and testicular cells (24 h samples). GAE also did not show any significant increase in micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs) at the three tested doses. The PCE/NCE ratio indicated no cytotoxicity. Under our experimental conditions, the data obtained suggest that a single oral administration of G. achachairu extract does not cause genotoxicity and clastogenicity in different cells of mice.     

加味小柴胡颗粒及其组方对ITP模型小鼠造血系统的影响

目的:观察加味小柴胡颗粒及其组方对免疫性血小板减少性紫癜(ITP)模型小鼠血小板计数及骨髓巨核细胞的影响。方法:建立ITP模型小鼠,将之分为7组:正常组、模型组、维血宁组、强的松组、加味小柴胡颗粒组、小柴胡颗粒组、丹参三七颗粒组,于造模后第14天开始分组给药,给药体积为30mL/kg体重,每日给药1次,共14天,分别于给药前后称重;给药前、给药后4天、7天及14天检测血小板计数;实验结束剥离股骨取骨髓测巨核细胞计数和分类。结果:ITP模型小鼠体重增长率下降,血小板计数持续下降,骨髓巨核细胞增加,产板巨减少、成熟度下降,有统计学意义(P<0.05)。加味小柴胡颗粒组能提高ITP模型小鼠体重增长率(P<0.05);各给药组均使血小板计数上增,其中加味小柴胡颗粒组对血小板提升作用高于维血宁组及其组方小柴胡颗粒组和丹参三七组,有统计学意义(P<0.05),与强的松组无差别(P>0.05);强的松组、加味小柴胡颗粒、小柴胡颗粒组使巨核细胞数减少,产板巨增高,其中加味小柴胡颗粒组优于小柴胡颗粒组,有统计学意义(P<0.05),与强的松组无差别(P>0.05)。结论:加味小柴胡颗粒能提高ITP模型小鼠体重增长率,并明显提升血小板计数,促使骨髓巨核成熟,效果优于维血宁组,且优于其组方小柴胡颗粒和丹参三七颗粒,与强的松组疗效相似。     

Hypoglycaemic properties of the aqueous root extract of Morinda lucida (Benth) (Rubiaceae). Studies in the mouse

The aqueous root extract of Morinda lucida (Rubiaceae) Benth, exhibited potent hypoglycaemic effects in both normoglycemic and alloxan-induced diabetic mice by oral administration. This effect was dose-dependent and more potent than that observed with chlorpropamide (1-(p-chlorobenzene-sulphanyl)-3-propylurea). In the normoglycaemic mice, the extract (140 mg/kg body weight) produced a fall in blood sugar of 32% + 1% while at 280 mg/kg body weight there was a 52% + 2% fall over the same time interval. In alloxan-induced diabetic mice, the reaction time of the extract was longer with a single dose of the extract producing a significant hypoglycaemic effect 4 h after administration. In diabetic mice, a dose of 140 mg/kg body weight of the plant extract caused a fall in blood sugar of 51% + 1% while a dose of 280 mg/kg produced a fall of 60% + 2%.