Abstract

This is a phytochemical and zootechnical study on Physalis peruviana leaves in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. This was part of a scientific development program of plant resources used in Congolese traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in which individual and community consequences are well established. Different fractions with hexane, ethyl acetate and the residue were obtained from the hydroalcoholic extract of P. peruviana leaves. Phytochemical screening was focused on the usual reactions of characterization based on precipitation and coloration with general reagents. The diabetic conditions were induced in rats by a single administration of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg body weight) intravenously. The positive control group received glibenclamide (6.5 mg/kg body weight) and each test group received 100 mg/kg of body weight. Those groups were compared with a control group which received only a Tween 20 solution (1 ml per 100 g body weight). Zootechnical profiles were evaluated by weight monitoring as well as food and water consumption in rats. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, anthocyanins, mucilages, cardiac glycosides, coumarins and betalains in the hydroalcoholic extract and its fractions. A highly significant difference (P Ë‚ 0.001) of water consumption in opposition to the food intake and weight changes was observed. This study suggested the isolation and characterization of compounds from hydroalcoholic extract from the leaves of P. peruviana L. and its fractions for an extensive antidiabetic investigation.

Key words: Physalis peruviana, phytochemical, antidiabetic activity, streptozotocin, zootechnical parameters.