PHARMACOLOGICAL SCREENING OF VARIOUS INDONESIAN HERBALS POTENTIALLY USED AS ANTIDIABETIC

Abstract

Screening tests on Indonesian herbals as potential antidiabetic have been carried out. Herbals used were Cajanus cajan, Gardenia augusta, Glycine max, Nephelium lappaceum, Fragaria ananassa, Leucaena leucocephala, Centella asiatica, Carica papaya, Piper bettle var. Rubrum and Stachytarpheta mutabilis. The method used refers to the decrease in blood glucose in male mice (Swiss webster). Phaleria macrocarpa used as a comparison with a dose of 14 mg/kg w/w. Measurement of blood glucose levels were performed before additon of glucose and every 30 minutes for 120 minutes after a glucose solution was added by using a glucometer. The test results showed that the test plant extracts have the ability to lower blood sugar levels. Largest decrease in glucose levels occurred at minute 120. The greatest percentage decline occurred in the plant Centella asiatica, it could even pass through the Phaleria macrocarpa decreased levels and the smallest found in Fragaria x ananassa. Comparison between normal and negative controls gave a significance value.