2025, Vol. 13, Issue 4, Part D

author(s)
Adaku Chukwudi-Mensah, Miriam Ebere Ogoke, Goodluck Chukwu Aluu and Olufemi Gabriel Abimbola

abstract
The global rise in diabetes prevalence, alongside the adverse effects and high cost of synthetic hypoglycemic drugs, has intensified the search for affordable, plant-based alternatives. This study investigated the hypoglycemic efficacy and phytochemical composition of aqueous extracts from Cymbopogon citratus (lemon grass), Citrus Limon (lemon rind), Ocimum gratissimum (scent leaf), Moringa oleifera (moringa leaf), and Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf), both individually and in combination. Alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats (N=35) and five diabetic human volunteers were used to evaluate glucose-lowering potential. Extracts were administered orally to the rats (2?ml/day) over 14 days, with fasting blood glucose levels monitored on days 5, 10, and 14. Human participants received a single oral dose, with blood glucose measured at 30-, 60-, 90-, and 120-minutes post-consumption. Phytochemical screening was conducted to assess the presence of anti-nutritional compounds. Results showed significant reductions in blood glucose levels across all treated groups (p<0.05), with the combined extract being the most effective in both rats and humans. Lemon grass exhibited the highest tannin (0.62±0.03?mg/g) and oxalate (3.66±0.32?mg/g) levels; moringa had the highest phytate (1.60±0.02?mg/g), and bitter leaf the highest saponin content (2.00±0.01?mg/g). While some phytochemicals may pose toxicity risks at high levels, all concentrations were below critical thresholds. The findings support the potential of these plants particularly in combination as effective and accessible natural therapies for managing diabetes.