Effect of Chronic Administration of Justicia secunda Vahl in Mice Diabetized with Streptozotocin

Some pharmacological properties of the methanolic extract of Justicia secunda Vahl leaves (Acanthaceae) were evaluated in Streptozotocin (STZ)-treated albino mice to confirm whether it could be considered an alternative candidate to treat diabetes. Using qualitative phytochemistry, alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins were detected. High concentrations of the extract in the DPPH antioxidant activity test conducted in vitro presented more than 90% inhibition of the radical during the first minutes of the reaction. The extract presented a slight genoprotective effect in the last days of the micronucleus test in mouse peripheral blood. Oral administration of the extract at high dose every two days for 6 weeks caused a hypoglycemic effect in STZ-treated mice, protection against weight loss, and decreased blood triglyceride levels from the week 3 of treatment. These effects could be mediated by the antioxidant activity of the detected metabolites and perhaps by an inhibitory effect on intestinal α-glucosidase, which renders J. secunda a good candidate for the long-term alternative treatment of diabetes without abandoning allopathic therapy.