Evaluation of the hypoglycaemic effect of Achyranthes aspera in normal and alloxan-diabetic rabbits.

Blood glucose levels of normal and alloxan diabetic rabbits were determined after oral administration of various doses of Achyranthes aspera powdered whole plant and certain aqueous and methanolic extracts. Oral administration of 2, 3 and 4 g/kg of A. aspera powder produced a significant dose-related hypoglycaemic effect in normal as well as in diabetic rabbits. The water and methanol extracts also decreased blood glucose levels in normal and alloxan diabetic rabbits. A 7-day acute toxicity study in rabbits did not reveal any adverse or side effects of this folk medicine at dosages up to 8 g/kg orally. It is possible that the plant could act by providing certain necessary elements like calcium, zinc, magnesium, manganese and copper to the beta-cells.