Abstract

Cassia sieberiana DC, a plant from the Fabaceae family, is traditionally used by inhabitants of southern Togo to treat diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to investigate the antihyperglycemic activity of the hydroethanolic extract of C. sieberiana roots. The extract was tested on blood glucose levels in fasting and orally induced hyperglycemic ICR mice in vivo. Phytochemical screening was performed using chemical staining tests. The extract's effect on glucose uptake was then tested in isolated muscle. After glucose overload (4 g/kg), the 200 mg/kg extract significantly reduced the peak of the blood glucose (p < 0.001) compared to the hyperglycemic control. However, the 200 mg/kg extract dose had no effect on basal glycemia compared to the normoglycemic. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponosides, alkaloids, reducing sugars, condensed tannins, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. After three hours of incubation in Krebs-Ringer Bicarbonate (KRB) at 37°C, the C. sieberiana extract significantly increased glucose uptake in isolated muscle. This uptake was greatly enhanced in the presence of the extract and insulin. These results demonstrate that C. sieberiana roots can be used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Key words: C. sieberiana, phytochemical, glucose uptake muscle, oral glucose tolerance test, antihyperglycemic.