Zizyphus jujuba leaves have been widely used as a hypoglycaemic agent
by diabetics in some regions of Turkey. In this study, the effects of
Z. jujuba leaves on plasma glucose levels in normo- and hyperglycaemic
rats were investigated. In addition, the chronic toxicity of Z. jujub
a leaves was investigated in normoglycaemic rats. When 3 and 6% decoct
ions of Z. jujuba leaves were administered to rats, plasma glucose lev
els decreased significantly (P < 0.01). Biochemical and haematological
parameters were not different from control groups (P > 0.05) and thes
e parameters were within normal limits. No drug-related changes were o
bserved in rats and there were no pathologic changes attributable to t
he drug in histopathologic examination of all tissues.