Comparison of Antidiabetic Effect of Ethanolic Leaves Extract of Mangifera indica and Moringa oleifera on Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the leading metabolic disorder as well as among the major cause of death in developing countries. Several plants were investigated as a possible remedy for the management of DM, however, Moringa oleifera (MO) is one of the widely used plants. Thus, the high demand and scarcity of MO in certain places necessitate an alternative plant for management of DM.

Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the antidiabetic effects of Mangifera indica (MI), MO and combinatorial formulation of ethanolic extract of both plants (MOMI).

Methods: Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 100 mg alloxan per kg body weight. Diabetes was confirmed in experimental animals three days after the injection. MI, MO and MOMI (a mixture of both) were administered to groups of animals receiving MI, MO and MOMI respectively. Blood glucose level was estimated three weeks after treatment and one week after withdrawal of treatment.

Results: The blood glucose of animals of all groups reduced significantly (P < 0.01) compared to diabetic control (DC) group. A significant increase in blood glucose (P < 0.01) in animals of MI group was observed one week after withdrawal of treatment whereas, the increase in MO and MOMI groups were statistically insignificant. Furthermore, a significant increase in body weight (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05) was observed in treated groups (especially MOMI) compared to DC group.

Conclusion: The results of the study showed MO has a more antidiabetic effect compared to MI. Combination of both at 1:1 increases the antidiabetic effect of MI. Increase in body weight could not be a direct influence of the leaves. Hence mixing MO and MI may be a good alternative for managing DM.