Antidiabetic effects of Cycas edentata aqueous leaf extract on the blood glucose levels of alloxan-induced diabetic ICR mice (Mus musculus L.)

Background: Diabetes mellitus is ranked among one of the most prevalent diseases in the world conveniently described with increased blood glucose levels. Several drugs have been in the market to control diabetes; however, there are certain side effects that may be more of harm than beneficial. With this, alternative therapeutic options have been sought for the control of the disease. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of aqueous extracts of Cycas edentata on the blood glucose levels of alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Materials and Methods: Aqueous leaf extract from C. edentata was administered to imprinting control regions (ICR) mice to determine its effect on blood glucose level. Thirty ICR mice were designated into six groups and were administered with double-distilled water, glimepiride, or the C. edentata aqueous extract. Results: After 28 days of treatment, statistical analysis indicated that the C. edentata extract had antihyperglycemic effect. There was a significant difference between the negative control and each experimental group (positive, low, mid, and high). There was also no significant difference observed between the sham control and the other experimental group (positive, low, mid, and high). Furthermore, ICR mice treated with the C. edentata extract had a significantly lowered cholesterol level compared to the sham group. With the use of hematologic analysis, the hemoglobin level, packed cell volume, total red blood cell count, total white blood cell count, neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophil were found to be normal which indicates that C. edentata has no effect in this parameter. Conclusion: These results indicate that C. edentata leaves have antidiabetic property at doses between 250 and 1000 mg/kg bodyweight.