Phytochemical screening and Hypoglycaemic effect of ethanol leaf extract of Annona squamosa L. in alloxan induced diabetic rats

Abstract

Annona squamosa L. commonly known as curstard apple is a medicinal plant found in Nigeria and has diverse ethnomedical uses including management of diabetes. The leaves of Annona squamosa L was collected in Damboa road, Maiduguri, Borno State. The leaves were washed and dried under shade at room temperature until constant weight was obtained. The leaves were crushed into coarse powder using wooden pestle and mortar. Defatting was done with petroleum ether, while the extraction was carried out with 95% ethanol. The phytochemical screening and antidiabetic activity of the ethanol extract of Annona squamosa leaves were carried out. The phytochemical screening of the Annona squamosa revealed the presence of alkaloid, tannin, carbohydrate, saponin, and glycoside. Acute toxicity was carried out and no death was observed at the highest testing dose of 5000 mg/kg. The elevated glucose level in the diabetic rats was significantly reduced by the administration of ethanol leaf extract of Annona squamosa within 24 hours.
The result of the study showed that the ethanol leaf extract of Annona squamosa L. contains bioactive phytochemical constituents that possess anti-diabetic activity which may be effective in management of diabetes mellitus. This justifies the use of Annona squamosa L leaf decoction by the native people for the management of diabetes.