Spathodea Campanulata

An Antidiabetic Medicine

Bibliographic Data

ID14816985
AuthorsGert Laekeman (KU Leuven), Gaspard Niyonzima, Simon Scharpe, Arnold Vlietinck (0000-0003-2964-9404), Tony Mets
Year1992
Volume8
Issue2
Publication date1992-07-06
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAVRUG-bulletin/Afrika Focus (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0772-0793 • E-ISSN: 0772-084X
PublisherWalter de Gruyter GmbH (PUBLISHER • DE)
DOI10.21825/af.v8i2.5840
OpenAlexW2753607063
LanguageEN
References cited2

Decoctions of the stem back of Spathodea campanulata (SC) are currently used in Rwanda to treat insulin- and non insulin-dependent diabetics. In order to confirm and further examine hypoglycemic activity of this plant we set up a research project with as final objective a possible standardisation of Spathodea in antidiabetic therapy in Rwanda. Up to now we were able to confirm the blood sugar lowering effect of SC in hyperglycemic mice (Iiyperglycemia provoked by streptozotocin = SZ). Also hyperglycemia in glucose loaded mice (glucose tolerance test = GTT) could be tempered by SC. Despite these clearcut hypoglycemic activity, no rise of insulin was seen in the SC treated mice. Tlie activity must be due to some other mechanism of action. Tlie search for active principles did not lead to satisfying results up to now. We have only indirect evidence for the presence of sugar-like compounds, as SC decoctions enhance the glycemia transiently. Some hypotheses are formulated with regard to mechanisms of action and active compounds of SC. These aspects will guide future research

Blood sugar · Decoction · Diabetes mellitus · Insulin · Streptozotocin · Traditional medicine · Cholinesterase and Neurodegenerative Diseases · Fungal Biology and Applications · Medicine · Natural Antidiabetic Agents Studies · Endocrinology · Internal Medicine · Pharmacology

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