The hypoglycemic and other effect of the aqueous extract of Helianthus annus seed were studied in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic male rats. The phytochemical screening of the extract was also carried out. The aqueous extract was administered intraperitoneally at a dose level of 400mg/kg for 21 days to 2 groups of 4 rats each. The following biochemical parameters were determined in serum using standard laboratory procedures; Glucose, Urea, Creatinine, Total Protein, Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphate, Cl- , K+, and Ca2+. The phytochemical screening shows the presence of Alkaloids, Saponins, tannins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, terpenes and steroids, balsam, carbohydrates and phenols in the extracts. Treatment with the Helianthus annus extract significantly (p<0.05) reduced elevated blood level of Glucose, Urea, Creatinine, Aspartate aminotransferese, Alanine aminotransferase and Alkaline Phosphatase associated with Alloxan- induced diabetic rats when treated with 400mg/kg body weight. There was also a significant (P<0.05) increase in the level of Cl- and decrease in the level of K+, Ca2+ when treated with the extract as compared with diabetic control. From the study, the sunflower seed have proved to be effective hypoglycaemic agent and therefore may be used for the management of diabetic mellitus at the said dosage.
