Abstract

Feretia apodanthera is a shrub with twisting branches commonly used in folklore medicine to manage erectile dysfunction and to treat stomach upset. In this study, the leaf extract of Feretia apodanthera was extracted using 80% methanol. Phytochemical analysis and in vitro antioxidant test using the Ferric Reducing/Antioxidant Power (FRAP) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity. Acute toxicity study of the extract was carried out using the Lorke’s method. The hypoglycaemic studies were done in normal and glucose-challenged rats. The doses of the extract of Feretia apodanthera administered the rats through the oral route were 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. The outcomes were compared with glibenclamide (0.2 mg/kg per os) and those of the normal saline. Phytochemical composition of the extract of Feretia apodanthera included saponins, terpenes, tannins, steroids, and carbohydrates. This result shows that extract of Feretia apodanthera has antioxidant and hypoglycemic properties. Further studies aimed at isolating the active hypoglycemic compound of the leaf extract of Feretia apodanthera are recommended.

Key words: Feretia apodanthera; rats; antioxidant