Abstract

Preliminary studies have reported hypoglycaemic effects of leaf extracts of Ocimum gratissimum in type-1 diabetic animal models. However, the mechanism of its antihyperglycaemic activity remains unknown. To shed more light on this activity, we decided to investigate the efficacy of the extract in type-2 model diabetic rats, for which few reliable data are currently available. The results from this study show that aqueous extract of O. gratissimum leaf can significantly reduce postprandial hyperglycaemia in type-2 diabetic model rats, but without the risk of hypoglycemia. This property makes it potentially useful in type-2 diabetes human subjects with insulin resistance who are prone to high postprandial glucose surge.

Key words: Streptozotocin, hyperglycaemia, neonatal rat, type-2 diabetes, Ocimum gratissimum.