ABSTRACT
An investigation was carried out to study the effects of an aqueous decoction of a plant prescription containing equal parts of Balsamodendrone myrrha [Mur makki], Styrax benzoin [Luban], Ferula foestida [Hing], Aloe vera [Mussabar] and Nigella sativa [Kalongi] on blood glucose levels in normal and alloxan diabetic rabbits. In normal rabbits, oral administration of the decoction was found to lower the blood glucose levels significantly. The maximum decrease was noted at 8-12 hours after administration by the 3.5 ml/kg dose. In diabetic rabbits too, the decoction produced a significant fall in blood glucose levels. The maximum decrease was observed after 12 hours by the 3.5 ml/kg dose. Acetohexamide, an oral hypoglycemic drug in 500 ml/kg oral dose produced a significant decrease in the blood glucose level in the normal rabbits only. The decoction, however, produced significant hypoglycemia in both normal and diabetic rabbits which indicate that the drug is a better and more potent antidiabetic agent as compared to acetohexamide. The decoction contained relatively high levels of calcium, manganese and magnesium elements. It produced no visible symptoms of acute toxicity and no mortality was recorded within one week after oral administration of drug in the doses checked. It is conceivable that more than one type of hypoglycemic principles are present in the aqueous decoction which act probably by producing an increased release of insulin and by providing necessary metallic elements. However, further study is needed to elucidate the exact mechanism and real worth of the compound plant prescription as an antidiabetic agent