Effect of Cirsium pascuarense on blood glucose levels of normoglycaemic and alloxan-diabetic mice.

Blood glucose levels of normal and alloxan-treated diabetic mice were determined after i.p. administration of various doses of the hexane, chloroform and methanol extracts of Cirsium pascuarense. From the data obtained, it is concluded that the i.p. administration of 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg of hexane extract of this plant produced a significant hypoglycaemic effect in normal as well as in diabetic mice. In addition, the extracts altered glucose tolerance in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Chloroform and methanol extracts did not produce any significant change in blood glucose levels. Copyright 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.