Preliminary Phytochemical Content and Antidiabetic Potential Investigations of Panda oleosa (Pierre) Used in Kisangani Areas

Panda oleosa Pierre (POP), a tropical plant tree, has been used in traditional medicine in Kisangani city and around to treat various diseases including diabètes and HIV/AIDs. This study aims to evaluate the chemical composition of POP extracts while setting up chromatographic fingerprints for their quality control, and the anti-hyperglycemic potential of trunk bark aqueous extracts of POP. Common chemical reactions were used for identification of main secondary metabolic groups. Thin layer chromatography was used to set up several chromatographic fingerprints of water and alcoholic extracts while evaluating chemical composition. Oral glucose tolerance test served to induce hyperglycemia in a rabbit model. The extracts were given as 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg body weight, 30 minutes before loading animals with glucose 4 g/kg. Blood samples were collected at various times: just before extracts (T-30), before (T0) and after glucose load (T30, T60, T120, and T180). Blood glucose levels were measured with One Touch Glucometer. The identification
tests revealed the presence of saponins (3.58%), tannins (5%); alkaloids, quinones, flavonoids, and terpenes sterols could not be formerly detected by the reagents used. Interesting chromatographic spots were observed whose behaviors are of catechic tannin proanthocyanes. The extract significantly reduced glucose levels in dose dependent manner as compared to control and glibenclamide reference groups. The average of mean percentage of reduction in glucose level at T120 with the extract 100 mg/kg was close to that of glibenclamide 0.25 mg/kg (49% and 40.2%). These findings back the traditional use of the plant to treat diabetic patients and constitute a foundation for an extensive study to find a new antidiabetic phythomedicine.