Abstract

The effect of different fractions of methanolic extract of Bauhinia candicans leaves were investigated on experimentally-induced diabetic rabbits. The crude extracts (8 mg/kg) showed hypoglycemic activity along with a reduced urinary glucose excretion. Among the fractions, the highest activity was exhibited by the butanolic fraction (fraction III). Moreover, fraction III reduced plasma glucose level also in normal, as well as, glucose loaded rabbits. These results suggest that B. candicans increases the peripheral metabolism of glucose. © 2004 Published by Elsevier B.V.