Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part A (2025)

Previous literature indicates that Lablab purpureus leaves have traditionally been used in the management of diabetes mellitus. The present study was designed to investigate the antidiabetic effect of the ethanolic extract of Lablab purpureus leaves (EELP) in experimental rats. An acute oral toxicity test was carried out on EELP, followed by preliminary phytochemical analysis. Diabetes was induced in Wistar albino rats using alloxan (100 mg/kg, i.p.) and streptozotocin (50 mg/kg, i.p.). Two doses of EELP, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg (p.o.), were administered, while Glibenclamide (5 mg/kg, p.o.) served as the standard reference drug. Antidiabetic activity was assessed by evaluating fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum lipid parameters (cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL), and pancreatic histopathology. The extract was found to be safe up to 2000 mg/kg in the acute toxicity study. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, and saponins. Both doses of EELP produced a dose-dependent reduction in blood glucose levels in alloxan- and STZ-induced diabetic rats. Histopathological examination of the pancreas revealed partial regeneration of β-cells in extract-treated rats. Overall, the antidiabetic effect of EELP was comparable to that of Glibenclamide.