Abstract
The hypoglycemic effect of three orally administered agents of plant origin, Eugenia jambolana, Lupinus termis and Peganum harmala, was investigated in both normal and streptozocin-induccd diabetic rats, and the results were compared to those obtained using the sulfonylurea, gliben-clamide.
Lupinus termis exerted a significant hypoglycemic effect in non-diabetic and streptozotocin diabetic rats without apparent side effects. Eugenia jambolana treated rats exhibited aggressive behavior in addition to hypoglycemia. Peganum harmala resulted in high mortality and a moribund state and its use should be discouraged.