ABSTRACT
Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the antihyperglycemic activity of leaf essential oil of Citrus sinensis (Rutaceae) in alloxan –induced diabetic rats. Methodology: Diabetes was induced in albino rats by intraperitoneal administration of single dose of alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg body weight). The leaf essential oil of Citrus sinensis at a dose of 110 mg/kg b.wt was administered every other day to the diabetic rats for a period of 15 days. The effects of leaf essential oil on blood glucose, hepatic glucose and glycogen were evaluated. 14.2 mg/kg body weight of metformin was used as a reference drug. Results: Intraperitoneal administration of the oil to diabetic rats led to a significant reduction (P = .05) of fasting blood glucose and hepatic glucose levels while hepatic glycogen significantly increased (P = .05) when compared to diabetic control animals. Conclusion: It is concluded that leaf essential oil of Citrus sinensis possesses significant antihyperglycemic effect on alloxan – induced diabetic rats at the dose tested.