Undergraduate thesis.

The prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus remains a significant health concern globally, prompting the exploration of alternative treatments such as herbal medicines. Bougainvillea spectabilis, commonly known as Bugambilya, is one such plant believed to possess bioactive compounds with hypoglycemic effects. Phytochemical analysis of its leaves has identified various compounds including sterols, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, and tannins. As Bougainvillea is widely available and accessible, this study investigates its potential as a cost-effective remedy for high blood sugar levels. Acquired and conducted in the Laboratory Animal Facility of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), thirty (30) alloxan-induced diabetic male albino mice aged 8-12 weeks were divided into six treatment groups: Negative Control (PNSS), Positive Control (Insulin glargine), and four doses of Bougainvillea leaves extract (T1: 2000mg/kg, T2: 1500mg/kg, T3: 1000mg/kg, T4: 500mg/kg). The hypoglycemic activity of methanol extract of Bougainvillea leaves was monitored for the first five (5) hours post-administration. Results revealed a distinct pattern in the 500 mg/kg dose, showing an initial decrease in blood sugar levels in the first hour, contrasting with an increase observed in other treatments. Additionally, the 500 mg/kg dose exhibited a subsequent increase in the second hour, while other treatments displayed a decrease. In addition to this, from the third to fourth hour, all treatments consistently decreased blood sugar levels in male albino mice. Remarkably, 2000 mg/kg dose showed a significant decrease from third (3rd) to fifth (5th) hour. Despite Bougainvillea spectabilis leaves extract demonstrating hypoglycemic effects, Insulin glargine induced a more radical change in blood sugar levels. Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA and TUKEY Honest Significant Difference (HSD) Test indicated significant differences in blood sugar levels among treatments during the first three hours post-administration. Having these findings, Bougainvillea spectabilis leaves extract showed a potential hypoglycemic effect on alloxan-induced diabetic male albino mice, suggesting its potential as a candidate for the development of new herbal medicines. Further investigation is warranted to explore its therapeutic potential using different dosages and in vivo experimental subjects. This research could contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying its hypoglycemic activity and its suitability for clinical applications in managing diabetes mellitus.