INDIGOFERA ARRECTA - SAFETY EVALUATION OF AN ANTIDIABETIC PLANT-EXTRACT IN NONDIABETIC HUMAN VOLUNTEERS

In order to exclude the effects of diabetes and its complications on t he results, this paper examined the effects of I. arrecta extract in 1 2 healthy young male adult non-diabetic Ghanaians. Volunteers were giv en a physical examination before and after the administration of plant extract. Similarly blood pressure (systolic and diastolic, in mmHg) w ere also taken before and after administration of the extract. Effects of the extract on fasting blood glucose, haematological indices, and liver and kidney functions were investigated. Fasting blood specimens were collected from each subject before, during and after the study. L evels of marker enzymes and metabolites for liver and kidney status, a nd haematological indices were measured. Urine volume and creatinine c ontent were also measured. I. arrecta extract did not alter the mean s ystolic and diastolic pressures. Easting blood glucose also did not ch ange. Serum marker enzymes and metabolites for hepatic and renal funct ions remained normal. However, Indigofera arrecta extract increased th e erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and decreased lymphocyte concen tration in the blood. The data suggest that I. arrecta may not have ov ert toxic reactions but could affect the immune status of users. (C) 1 998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.