Hypoglycemic effect of Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam) Pers. leaf extract

Introduction: Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam) Pers (Crasulaceae) is a succulent ornamental plant. In Costa Rica, the leaves are used as a coadjuvant treatment for Diabetes Mellitus based on traditional knowledge of natural remedies. Moreover, there are some studies mentioning its use for Diabetes Mellitus as medicinal plant in several countries. This research aimed to demonstrate the antidiabetic properties of hydroalcoholic extracts of K. pinnata leaves through phytochemical screening, alpha amylase inhibition and rodent models. Methods: Crude extracts of K. pinnata leaves were prepared by infusion and decoction using water:ethanol (70:30) as a solvent. The extracts prepared by decoction (LAED, lyophilized-water:ethanol-decoction) and by infusion (LAEI, lyophilized-water:ethanol-infusion) were analyzed by Folin-Ciocalteu, HPLC and capacity of inhibition of α-amylase activity. To determine hypoglycemic activity in rats, extracts were administered orally at doses of 250, 500 and 750 mg/Kg and blood sugar levels were monitored over a four hours period using a glucometer. Results: A significant reduction (p < 0.05) in blood glucose was observed after one hour in rats treated with 500 mg/Kg of LAED extract. Treatment with 750 mg/Kg LAEI induced a statistically significant reduction in blood sugar at 90, 180 and 240 min, showing that the glucose-lowering effect of this extract was greater at a higher concentration. Conclusions: This study confirmed the hypoglycemic effect of K. pinnata extracts in the acute phase in rats and supports the use of this Crassulaceae as a home remedy.