This investigation was carried out to study effects ofAlpinia galangarhizome on blood
glucose levels. In normal rabbits, powdered rhizome and its methanol and aqueous extracts
significantly lowered the blood glucose. Gliclazide also produced a significant decrease in
blood glucose in the rabbits. In alloxan-diabetic rabbits,A. galangaand its methanol and
aqueous extracts did not produce significant reduction in blood glucose. The hypoglycaemic
effect ofA. galangain normal rabbits was comparable to gliclazide. The rhizome was found
to contain high levels of certain minerals. Acute toxicity and behavioral studies revealed no
visible signs of toxicity and any abnormal behavior in rabbits even at high doses. It is
concluded thatA. galangaproduces fall in blood glucose levels in normal rabbits and the
principles, both organic and inorganic, are extractable in methanol and water.
2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.