Evaluating the Antidiabetic Potential of Leptadenia Hastata Extract in Alloxan-Induced Experimental Models

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health burden characterized by persistent hyperglycemia and associated with macrovascular and microvascular complications. Traditional medicine has long relied on medicinal plants for the management of diabetes, and Leptadenia hastata (Pers.) Decne, a plant from the Asclepiadaceae family, has shown promise as an antidiabetic agent. This study evaluated the antidiabetic efficacy and phytochemical profile of the ethanol extract of L. hastata in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar albino rats. Ethanolic extracts of the whole plant were administered orally at doses of 200, 400, 800, and 1600 mg/kg body weight to diabetic rats. Blood glucose levels were monitored at 1, 2, and 8 hours post-administration. The extract revealed potent antidiabetic activity, with the 200 mg/kg dose producing the most significant and sustained blood glucose reduction (37%, 28%, 31% at 1, 2, and 8 hours, respectively). Surprisingly, higher doses demonstrated reduced efficacy or paradoxical increases in glucose levels, indicating a non-linear dose-response pattern. The standard control, soluble insulin, achieved the highest glucose reduction (83% and 55%). Phytochemical analysis of the ethanol extract revealed the presence of bioactive compounds including terpenoids, alkaloids, cardenolides, and flavonoids, which are known to contribute to hypoglycemic effects. The findings suggest that Leptadenia hastata possesses significant antidiabetic potential and warrants further investigation as a phytotherapeutic candidate for diabetes management