Comparative Anti-Hyperglycemic Effects of Aqueous Extracts of Mistletoe and Pear Leaf on Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

Historical records revealed that leaves of mistletoe plant as well as that of pear tree are used to treat varieties of disorders including diabetes. These leaves are being considered beneficial as dietary supplements because of their anti-diabetic potential. This study seeks to compare the efficacy of aqueous extracts of mistletoe and pear leaf to justify their use and to rationalize the choice of one over the other. The comparative hypoglycemic effects of mistletoe and pear leaf extracts were studied in albino rats fed with the extracts for 15 days after induction of diabetes. Glucose concentration, body weight and skin fold thickness were compared between the two groups and with the absolute and diabetic control groups. Aqueous extracts of both mistletoe and pear leaves significantly reduced blood glucose concentration and reversed significantly the weight loss and loss of subcutaneous fat associated with diabetes in the rats used. However, there was no significant comparative effect between the two leaf extracts on the parameters studied. Both the aqueous extracts of V. album and P. Americana possess antihyperglycemic activity but the aqueous extract of V. album is more potent as a hypoglycemic agent. The hypoglycemic potential of these herbal leaves could be utilized in the desire to reduce the financial burden imposed by diabetes globally.

Key Words: diabetes, hypoglycemia, Viscum album, Persea Americana, comparative efficacy