Sixtus A. Okafor

Studies had shown that hydromethanolic leaf extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (CA) caused dose-dependent antihyperglycaemic or hypoglycaemic effects. Its adverse effects were reportedly lesser compared to some currently used pharmaceuticals. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR-Spectrometry) had been used to analyze the chloroform fraction of this CA extract in order to identify the major and minor phytochemicals responsible for its activities. The presence of the bioactive flavonoids possibly has molecular mechanisms of lowering the diabetic glucose levels and complications. The antidiabetic compounds identified in plant extracts included: isoquercetin, eupafolin, hispidulin, oleanolic acid, β sitosterol and campesterol. These phyto-compounds work through different mechanisms, including the interference of glucose and lipid absorptions, regeneration of pancreatic islets or by increasing the insulin release by beta cells. These phyto-constituents could synergistically lower persistent hyperglycaemia and its complications. The plant leaves of CA are readily available in most residential areas as a vegetable or herb (‘Ogwu-obara’ in Igbo) with reported minimal side effects compared to more costly synthetic antidiabetic drugs. This review calls for the advancement of ethno-pharmaceutical technology in poorer African countries in order to carry out purposeful ethno-pharmacological researches and develop affordable phytotherapy for diabetes.