Journal of Ethnopharmacology 62 (1998) 247 – 250 Short communication Evaluation of the hypoglycaemic effect of Memecylon umbellatum in normal and alloxan diabetic mice T. Amalraj, S. Ignacimuthu * Entomology Research Institute, Loyola College, Chennai 600034, India Received 2 February 1998; accepted 4 February 1998 Abstract Oral administration of an alcoholic extract of the leaves of Memecylon umbellatum led to a significant lowering of serum glucose levels in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Although the mechanism of action is unknown, the magnitude of glucose reduction in both the animal models is encouraging. The results indicate that M. umbellatum has interesting possibilities as a source of oral hypoglycaemic agents. © 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. Keywords: Hypoglycaemic agent; Memecylon umbellatum; Mice 1. Introduction Memecylon umbellatum (Melastomaceae) is a large ornamental shrub or a small tree found mostly in the coastal regions of the Deccan penin- sula, the eastern and southern parts of India and in the Andaman islands. The leaves have been reported to possess astringent properties and are given to treat leucorrhea and gonorrhea; a lotion prepared from the leaves is used to treat eye troubles (Sastri, 1962). The leaves are also re- ported to possess antiviral activity (Dhar et al., 1968). In view of the fact that there is no system- atic study on the hypoglycaemic effect of M. umbellatum leaves, the present study on the hypo- glycaemic effect of an alcoholic extract of M. umbellatum has been conducted on normal and diabetic mice and compared with glibenclamide, a standard hypoglycaemic agent. * Corresponding author. 0378-8741/98/$ - see front matter © 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. PII S0378-8741(98)00070-1