Biochemical studies of safsaf F. used in Egyptian folk medicine as antidiabetic drugs

ABSTRACT

Phytochemical screening of an aqueous extract of Salix Safsaf F. revealed the presence of salicin, salicylaldhyde, tannins, flavonoids, carbohydrates and sterols. The hypoglyoemic effect of an aqueous extract of Salix Safsaf F. leaves in normal and alloxan diabetic rabbits was studied. The extract was given orally in a dose equivalent to 5 gm of dry powder/kg once and twice/day for 15 days. Alloxan diabetic rabbits showed significant reduction in serum level of glucose and significant increase in serum insulin and C-peptide after Salix treatment in normal rabbits, insignificant change was observed in the serum level of glucose, insulin and C-peptide after treatment with Salix extract for 15 days. No side effects was observed after the use of Salix extract as proved by studying some liver function tests [SGOT, SGPT and alkaline phosphatase], kidney function tests [serum urea and creatinine] and the concentration of hemoglobin in the different groups studied