Abstract

Results of this study show that Telfairia Occidentalis has potent hypoglycaemic property in both normal and diabetic rats; which may be mediated via increased secretion of insulin by the islets cells of langerhans or increased peripheral utilization of glucose by the cells. This implies that it will be useful in the management of type II diabetes mellitus.
From the study it has been shown that concurrent administration of Telfairis Occidentalis extract with conventional oral hypoglycaemic agents may produce a synergistic effect that may be detrimental to the individual if not well monitored.
It is therefore recommended that individuals placed on conventional oral hypoglycaemic agents should not consume Telfairis Occidentalis supplement without consulting their physicians.

Key words: Telfairia occidentalis, Diabetes millitus, Hyperglycaemia,Aqueous extract.