Author(s): Félicien M Kasali, Adrien T Masunda, Justine K Madarhi, Archimède B Matambura, Damien ST Tshibangu, Koto-Te-Nyiwa Ngbolua, Justin N Kadima and Pius T Mpiana

Abstract: Hypoglycemic and antidiabetic activities and acute toxicity of extracts from leaves of Solanum nigrum L., an edible plant used in the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo against diabetes, were evaluated on guinea-pigs. The hypoglycemic activity was evaluated by glucose tolerance test by loading animal with glucose and measuring blood concentration at various times. For inducing experimental diabetes mellitus, Alloxan monohydrate was used in normal saline by subcutaneous administration and glibenclamide was used as standard drug. Acute toxicity was evaluated by recording mortality rate, changes on blood biomarkers and damage caused to vital organs. Obtained results showed a significant decrease (PË‚0.05) in blood glucose levels in guinea-pigs treated with the aqueous extract of S. nigrum both in hypoglycemic and antidiabetic tests. The decrease in the group treated with S. nigrum aqueous extract was sometimes more pronounced than that of the positive control group, justifying the use of this plant in traditional medicine in the management of diabetes. No death and side effects were observed for doses under 270 mg/kg bw but for doses upper than this value some side effects and death were noticed with 100% of death at the dose of 8640 mg/kg bw. The autopsy analysis in dead guinea-pigs showed the damage caused on vital organs such as kidney, liver; intestines, heart and lungs for intoxicated animals.