ABSTRACT

 This study was carried out to ascertain the effect of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) infusion on blood sugar levels of presumed non-diabetics (after fasting - blood sugar analysis) after feeding on carbohydrate rich meal (rice). Each subject was briefed about the study and consent was obtained. Test groups were composed of 10 males, between the ages of 14 — 70 years and 10 females between the ages of 15 — 60 years, also another 5 males nd 5 females between the ages of 15-. 30 years that served as control. Blood samples were collected on 3 consecutive days and analyzed for fasting blood sugar (FBS), random blood sugar (RBS) after feeding on rice meal, random blood sugar (RBS) after administration of lemon grass infusion just before the meal, also alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino trarisferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), potassium ion (K), chloride ion (Cr). sodium ion Na), bicarbonate ion (1-1Co3 ) and serum urea level were analyzed. Before treatment, result of the fasting glucose levels for the male and female groups were (86.90±11.8) and (96.8±18.13) rng/dl respectively, the random blood sugar level for the male and female groups were (134.8±11.29) ing/di and (139.3±16.24) mg/di cspectively. While after treatment, random blood sugar level of the male and female groups were (104.7±li.99)mg/dl and (102.0±13.11) mg/dl respectively. There was no significant change (P>0.05) in AST, ALT and ALP relative to :he contro' group. Result also showed no significant change in Nat, iC, CY, I-1CO3and urea relative to the control group. These findings suggest that the iemongrrs infusion has no effect on carbobydrate breakdown and absorption.