Evaluation of the Hypoglycemic Potential of the Ethanolic Bulb Extract of Allium Chinense G. Don (Sibujing) on High-Glucose Induced Hyperglycemic Swiss Albino Mice

This study investigated the hypoglycemic potential of the ethanolic bulb extract of Allium chinense G. Don, commonly known as Sibujing, a spice used in Maranao cuisine. Given the rising global prevalence of hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus, with 14,416 deaths due to diabetes mellitus in the Philippines alone in 2023, effective treatments are crucial. Swiss albino mice were induced with hyperglycemia via a high-glucose diet to evaluate the extract's potential in managing elevated glucose levels. Phytochemical screening of the crude extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, saponins, steroids, and terpenoids, with the absence of tannins. Quantitative analysis showed a total phenolic content (TPC) of 13.2±1.0 mg gallic acid per gram extract and a total flavonoid content (TFC) of 9.8±0.1 mcg quercetin per gram extract. Acute oral toxicity testing indicated an LD50 >2000 mg/kg body weight, with no observed deaths or toxic symptoms. However, statistical analysis using One-Way ANOVA and post-hoc tests demonstrated that administration of the crude extract at varying doses (50, 300, 2000 mg/kg) did not result in a significant reduction in blood glucose levels compared to both the negative control (normal saline solution) and the positive control (metformin, 50 mg/kg). All pairwise comparisons yielded non-significant results (p>0.05), suggesting that under the conditions of this study, the ethanolic bulb extract of A. chinense did not exhibit significant hypoglycemic activity comparable to metformin.