Pasuchaca (Geranium ruizii Hieron.): A Medicinal Plant of the Geraniaceae Family with Hypoglycemic Effect on Alloxan-Induced Hyperglycemia in Mice

Abstract

Objective: The current study aims to evaluate the hypoglycemic effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Geranium ruizii on alloxan-induced hyperglycemia in albino mice. Material and Methods: Geranium ruizii was collected in Huancayo, Junin, Peru. A phytochemical analysis was carried out to confirm the chemical groups. In the pharmacological study, hyperglycemia was induced with alloxan at doses of 170 mg/kg in male albino mice, animals with blood sugar levels above 250 mg/dL were included in the protocol. Mice were randomized into five groups (I: Alloxan 170 mg/Kg; II, III and IV (Geranium ruizii extract: 50; 150 and 300 mg/Kg body weight); and V: glibenclamide, 5mg/Kg B.W. Results: Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenes, saponins and phenolic compounds. It is observed that at doses of 50, 150 and 300 mg/kg reduced blood glucose at 14 days of treatment. Conclusion: The hypoglycemic effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Geranium ruizii, administered orally in mice with alloxan-induced hyperglycemia was effective with 150 mg/Kg body weight. Key words: Geranium ruizii, Antidiabetic drugs, Pasuchaca, Antioxidants, Medicinal plants, Herbal therapy