Effects of Euphorbia prostrata and Fumaria parviflora in Normoglycaemic and Alloxan-treated Hyperglycaemic Rabbits

Abstract

Blood glucose levels of the normal and alloxan-diabetic male albino rabbits were determined after oral administration of various doses of the powdered plants of Euphorbia prostrata, Lit. (Euphorbiaceae) and Fumaria parviflora Lam. (Fumariaceae). From the data obtained, it is concluded that the powders of E. prostrata and F. parviflora plants produce significant hypoglycaemic effects in the normal rabbits only. The methanol extract of E. prostrata also decreased the blood glucose of normal rabbits while that of F. parviflora did not produce this effect. In the alloxan-treated rabbits, these plants do not lower the blood glucose levels. Moreover, acute toxicity studies and records of behavioural patterns carried out in rabbits and rats, respectively showed no adverse effects in the dosages tested. It is conceivable that both plants contain some hypoglycaemic principles which act probably by initiating the release of insulin from the pancreatic beta cells of normal rabbits.