Antidiabetic Evaluation of Zingiber zerumbet Linn Rhizome (Zingibereceae) Collected from Agulu of Anambra State, Nigeria

Background and objectives: In Nigeria, there are wide use of medicinal plants for different health conditions like diabetes. Zingiber zerumbet rhizome is one such plant used for health challenges. This study assessed the effectiveness of Zingiber zerumbet in a diabetic rat model. Methods: Extraction was carried out with methanol, using cold maceration. Fractionation was carried out with n-hexane, ethyl acetate and butanol. The antidiabetic studies were done using Alloxan induced diabetic rat model. Haematological parameters and liver and kidney function enzyme levels were analyzed using standard protocols. Results: The glucose levels were reduced significantly by 68.17, 67.68, 54.29, 66.81, 77.74, 64.00, 60.89, 69.12, 62.11 and 58.26 % for 100mg/kg of Glibenclamide, 100 mg/kg crude extract, 250 mg/kg crude extract, 500 mg/kg crude extract, 250 mg/kg n-hexane, 500 mg/kg n-hexane, 250 mg/kg Ethylacetate, 500 mg/kg Ethylacetate, 250 mg/kg butanol and 500 mg/kg butanol respectively. The liver and kidney function enzymes were brought to control at p<0.05 significance. The haematological parameters were also brought to control at p<0.05 significance. Conclusion: The extract and fractions of Zingiber zerumbet rhizome exhibited potential antidiabetic effect in rat model. Further studies are required to isolate, purify, characterize and structurally elucidate the particular bioactive constituent(s) responsible for the observed antidiabetic effect.