Objective: The effect of Alstonia boonei fractions on glucose homeostasis was investigated via in vitro enzyme inhibition activity, ex vivo glucose uptake assay, and in vivo methods in diabetic rats.
Methodology: A. boonei fractions were subjected to in vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory assay and then ex vivo glucose uptake activity. The butanol fraction of the leaves (ABBF) was picked for the in vivo assay since it showed more activity in the initial tests conducted. ABBF was administrated via oral dosing to six-weeks old fructose-fed STZ-induced type 2 diabetic rats over a 5-week experimental period.
Results: ABBF treatment at a low dose of 150 mg/kg bw, significantly (p < .05) reduced blood glucose level, enhanced oral glucose tolerance ability, restored insulin secretion and hepatic glycogen synthesis as well as promoted islet regeneration than the high dose (300 mg/kg bw).
Conclusion: These results suggest that ABBF could be exploited as a therapeutic potential for treating T2D.
Keywords: Alstonia boonei; Type 2 diabetes; histopathology; liver glycogen; pancreas.