HYPOGLYCEMIC EFFECT OF ZIZYPHUS-JUJUBA LEAVES

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.