Hypoglycemic Properties of Ethanolic and Aqueous Leaf Extractof Acanthus Montanus (Acanthaceae)

Abstract

This study evaluated the hypoglycemic properties of ethanolic and aqueous leaf extract of acanthus montanus. The leaves were subjected to different extraction methods (ethanolic extract and aqueous extract) and evaluated the phytochemical and hypoglycemic potential of the aueous and ethanolic extract in alloxan‑induced diabetic rats. Flavonoid content varied widely, ranging from 12.03% in milled samples to 54.00% in ethanolic extracts with the latter being significantly higher (p < 0.05). Alkaloid levels followed a similar trend, spanning 2.06 % (milled) to 15.02 % (ethanolic extract) with significant differences among all samples (p < 0.05). Saponin content ranged from 5.00 % (ethanolic extract) to 19.00 % (aqueous extract), while tannins ranged from 1.03 % (aqueous extract) to 2.50 % (ethanolic extract); both showed significant variations (p < 0.05). In the animal study, Group A (normal control) maintained glucose levels within the normal range (3.8–7.8 mMol/L). Group B (alloxan‑induced) exhibited an initial drop 24 h post‑induction followed by persistent hyperglycemia (>7.8 mMol/L). Group C (standard drug) returned glucose to normoglycemia, while Group D (treated with ethanolic extract) showed a gradual decline from 9.8 mMol/L to normoglycemic levels (8.0 mMol/L) over two weeks. Alloxan selectively destroyed pancreatic β‑cells, confirming its use as a diabetic inducer. These findings demonstrate that ethanolic extraction maximizes flavonoids and alkaloids, and its extract possesses notable hypoglycemic activity, suggesting potential for developing anti‑diabetic phytomedicine.