Kenneth Waititu^1,, Caroline Jerono¹, Denis Kituku¹, Mary Nzuve¹, Fidelis Mambo², Paul Ngugi³, Peter Mwethera¹

Background: Diabetes is responsible for rapidly increasing morbidity globally such that it has been listed among the four priority non-communicable diseases. Global prevalence of diabetes was 8.5% of the adult population by 2014 but is steadily rising. It is estimated that global prevalence of diabetes will be 472 million by 2030 with diabetic neuropathy affecting up to 236 million people. Newer interventions based on natural compounds are required since the available options are marred with diverse side effects. Plants’ natural bioactive compounds are capable of preventing development of diabetic complications via different mechanisms making them potential alternatives for its management. Kalanchoe pinnata and Bidens pilosa have been used in folkloric medicine to treat diseases including diabetes. Objective: Our study aimed at determining phytochemicals present in these two plants and their potential for use in management of diabetes. Material and Methods: Extracts from the two plants were prepared by maceration in different solvents followed by determination of presence of ten phytochemicals. Results and Discussion: Different polyphenolic compounds, glycosides and saponins were detected in aqueous extracts of both plants. Higher concentrations of flavonoids and phenolic acids were detected in aqueous extracts from B. pilosa (30.11±0.2 mg of QE/100 g and 92.7±0.1 mg of GAE/100 g) compared to K. pinnata. Conclusion: The presence of these phytochemicals qualify these two plants as candidates for development of interventions for managing type 2 diabetes.

diabetes, complications, management, Kalanchoe pinnata, Bidens pilosa, phytochemicals