Rhizome extract of Curcuma domestica L. (Zingiberacae) in Alloxan- induced diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus is a serious health problem in Nigeria. This study evaluated the anti-diabetic potential of Curcuma domestica in alloxam induced diabetes in albino wistar rats.  In Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria the rhizome of Curcuma domestia is used in traditional medicine to expel worms from the gastrointestinal tract, relieve indigestion and frequent urination. It is also used to treat skin diseases, pains in the joints, knee, hips and spine. Rhizome of C. domestica was extracted using the cold solvent process. Diabetes was induced in rats and initial glucose level taken before the extract was administered and metformin also to the test animals. Blood glucose was obtained from the tail vein of the test animals in 0 hour, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 3 days, and 7 days post administration, respectively. The blood glucose level was determined using a fine test glucometer. However, phytochemical screening and Chromatographic separation of the extract were carried out. The result revealed that the methanol extract of Curcuma domestica contained alkaloid, tannin, coumarin, flavonoid, terpenes, phenol, reducing sugar, and LD₅₀ was 500 mg/kg. The result also revealed that at a dose level of 150 mg/kg the extract significantly (p <  0 05)  reduced the mean fasting glucose level from 241 ± 0.33 mg/dl (day 0) to 56 ± 0.31 mg/dl (day 7). The column chromatography gave 80 eluates. Eluates 49 – 67 gave the same R_f value of 0.50 and was light brown in colour under UV light (254 nm). The anti-diabetic property of Curcuma domestica is believed to be due to the presence of bioactive bioactive constituents of the plant observed during phytochemical screening may be responsible for the anti-diabetic activity of the Curcuma domestica extract.