EFFECT OF OCHNA SCHWEINFURTHIANA BARK EXTRACT AND FRACTION ON ALPHA AMYLASE AND ORAL GLUCOSE TOLERANCE

Ochna schweinfurthiana is a rich source of complex dimers of flavonoids and has been used in alternative medicine to treat pain, inflammation, arthritis and diabetes mellitus. This study evaluated the effect of Ochna schweinfurthiana bark extract and phytoestrogen rich fractions on oral glucose tolerance and alpha amylase. Using cold maceration, the plant was extracted and fractionated using n-hexane, ethyl acetate and butanol in order of increasing polarity and concentrated. Phytochemical analysis on the total phytoestrogen and phenolic constituent was done on the extract and fractions. A limit dose test of 2000 mg/kg was done using the crude extract for the acute toxicity study. Also, oral glucose tolerance test was performed by administering 2 g of starch and phytoestrogen rich fraction (water fraction) at concentrations of 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg. The phytoestrogen rich fraction tested at various doses for it inhibitory effect on alpha amylase. From the phytochemical analysis, the water fraction contained the highest phytoestrogen at 7003 GenisteinEq/g. The acute toxicity studies showed no mortality during the 14 days period of study. Compared to basal blood glucose level (0h), significant (P ˂ 0.05) increase in blood glucose was recorded from 30-60 minutes post starch administration in the 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg water fraction treated group. From the in vitro test, the phytoestrogen rich fraction had a moderate alpha amylase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 5.47 mg/ml). From the studies carried out, the phytoestrogen rich fraction improved oral glucose tolerance and also had inhibitory effect on alpha amylase which may be beneficial for the treatment of diabetes mellitus using alternative medicine