Phytochemical, toxicity and antihyperglycaemic effects of Zea mays Linn leaves’ extracts

In the Republic of Benin, several plants, including Zea mays Linn (Z. mays) are used for treatment diabetes without any scientific studies showing their effectiveness. The objective this study is to investigate effects Z. leaves’ extracts on hyperglycaemic rabbits using Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), 2 g/kg (D) + glucose and hepatic liberation. Phytochemical screening revealed that plant leaves contain alkaloids, tannins, mucilage flavonoids, anthocyanin, leuco-anthocyanin, coumarins, heteroside, flavonoid, triterpenoids, steroids, reducing compounds, saponins, oses holosides. Cytotoxity tests showed aqueous ethanolic were free toxicity. have shown anti-hyperglycaemic activities dependent specific dosage timing. effective dose 500 mg/kg extract extract. as compared with glibenclamide (reference product). Moreover, ex vivo test conducted liver inhibits liberation most dose.
 results justify traditional usage under consideration in diabetes.
 Key words: extracts, phytochemical, hyperglycaemia, glucose, toxicity, Benin.