Hypoglycemic effect of extracts and fractions from Psacalium decompositum in healthy and alloxan-diabetic mice

The hypoglycemic effect of the hexane, methanol and water extracts obtained from roots of Psacalium decompositum (Asteraceae) was investigated in fast ing healthy mice. Only the water extract significantly reduced blood glucos e in a dose-dependent manner in normal mice after intraperitoneal administr ation (P < 0.05). This water extract was macerated with methanol obtaining a precipitate (WMP fraction), and it was studied in healthy and alloxan-dia betic mice. The WMP fraction showed significant hypoglycemic activity in he althy and mild diabetic mice, but the administration of this fraction to an imals with severe diabetes did not cause any significant decrease in blood glucose levels. Two polysaccharide components isolated from WMP fraction sh owed hypoglycemic effect when tested in healthy mice. (C) 2000 Elsevier Sci ence Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.