Effects of Sclerocarya birroea Hochst. extract on some metabolic activities in the rat

Abstract

The decoction of Sclerocarya birroea Hochst. shows hypoglycaemic effects, an increase in plasma IRI in normal rats and an incremented oral-glucose tolerance. The decoction is also active against diet-induced hypercholesterolaemia.

Knowledge onSclerocarya birreasubsp.caffrawith emphasis on its importance as a non-timber forest product in South and southern Africa: A Summary

“…birrea has also received attention (Galvez et al, 1991;Galvez et al, 1992;Galvez et al, 1993;Hutchings et al, 1996;Kubo and Kinst-Hori, 1999), with recent research involving biochemical analyses ofthe active properties of different marula products and derivatives (e.g. Pretorius et al, 1985;Anderson et al, 1986;Fatope et al, 1993;Trovato et al, 1995;Mhlongo, 1997;Mugo.chi et al, 1999;Thiong'o et al, 2000). The bark of marula contains tannins and traces of alkaloids and therefore acts as an astringent and coagulant (Shone, 1979).…”