Abstract:
Zizyphus jujuba leaves have been widely used as a hypoglycaemic agent by diabetics in some regions of Turkey. In this study, the effects of Z. jujuba leaves on plasma glucose levels in normo‐ and hyperglycaemic rats were investigated. In addition, the chronic toxicity of Z. jujuba leaves was investigated in normoglycaemic rats. When 3 and 6% decoctions of Z. jujuba leaves were administered to rats, plasma glucose levels decreased significantly (P < 0.01). Biochemical and haematological parameters were not different from control groups (P > 0.05) and these parameters were within normal limits. No drug‐related changes were observed in rats and there were no pathologic changes attributable to the drug in histopathologic examination of all tissues. 1995 Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain