Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a global health challenge with increased morbidity and mortality rates yearly. Herbal medicine has provided an alternative approach to treating T2D with limited access to formal healthcare. Tectona grandis is being used traditionally in the treatment of diabetes. The present study investigated the antidiabetic potential of T. grandis leaves in different solvent extractions, and the crude extract that demonstrated the best activity was further fractionated through solvent-solvent partitioning. The ethyl acetate fraction of the ethanol crude extract showed the best antidiabetic activity in inhibiting alpha-glucosidase, delaying glucose absorption at the small intestine's lumen, and enhancing the muscle's postprandial glucose uptake. The ethyl acetate fraction was further elucidated for its ability to reduce hyperglycemia in diabetic rats. The ethyl acetate fraction significantly reduced high blood glucose levels in diabetic rats with concomitant modulation in stimulated insulin secretions through improved pancreatic beta-cell function, insulin sensitivity by increasing liver glycogen content, and reduced elevated levels of liver glucose-6-phosphatase activity. These activities could be attributed to the phytochemical constituents of the plant.