s:1335:"TI In vivo anti-diabetic effects of aqueous leaf extracts of Rhoicissus tridentate in alloxan-induced diabetic mice 
AU Mukundi, M.J. 
AU Mwaniki, N.E.N. 
AU Piero, N.M. 
AU Murugi, N.J. 
AU Daniel, A.S. 
AU Gathumbi, P.K. 
AU Muchugi, A.N. 
AB The drawbacks associated with conventional anti-diabetic agents have largely stimulated desire for alternative and  complementary anti-diabetic agents majority of which are plant-derived. The medicinal plant  Rhoicissus tridentata  has  been used extensively in traditional medical practice against various ailments. However its ethno medicinal use against  diabetes mellitus has not been scientifically evaluated and validated. This study was therefore designed to evaluate  the  anti-diabetic  potential  of  aqueous  leaf  extracts  of   Rhoicissus  tridentata   in  alloxan  induced  diabetic  mice.  As  the   results show the aqueous leaf extracts of  Rhoicissus tridentata  showed anti-diabetic activity. The intraperitoneal route  of herbal extract administration was found to be more effective than the oral route. Further qualitative and quantitative  phytochemical screening of aqueous leaf extracts of  Rhoicissus tridentata  indicated the presence of phenols alkaloids  flavonoids tannins and saponins. However cardiac glycosides and phylobatanins were not detected. 
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