HYPOGLYCEMIC ACTIVITY OF SELECTED EUROPEAN PLANTS

Nine European plants were selected to be screened for hypoglycaemic ac tivity. Selection criteria were based on traditional use and literatur e references. Total extracts of the plants were prepared by boiling th e dried material with water or macerating it with 80% ethanol. Male Sw iss mice were orally loaded with glucose after the extracts had been g iven by oral gavage. Four extracts improved the glucose tolerance: Adi antum capillus veneris, Daucus carota, Galega officinalis and Juglans regia. Further investigation will be focused on bioguided isolation of active fractions.