Objective: To assess the protective role of Sphenocentrum jollyanum (SJ) root on beta cells against alloxan challenged diabetic rabbits. Methods: Rabbits of both sexes randomly divided into 6 groups (8 per group), received oral treatment as follows: groups A and B received Tween 80 (2%) solution orally; group C, 10 mg.kg–1 of glibenclamide; groups D, E and F, 50, 100 and 200 mg.kg–1 of the extract respectively. A week later (day 0), basal glycaemia was determined (74.3 ± 3.7) followed by alloxan challenge (170 mg.kg–1) intravenously with the exception of group A. Blood was collected at days 0, 3, 5, 10 and 15 and analyzed. Inflammatory activity was evaluated by C - reactive protein (CRP). Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and lipid peroxidation (TBARS) were used to assess oxidative activity. Results: Blood glucose in the extract treated recorded maximum increase of 174.1 ± 7.7, 165.0 ± 6.7 and 166.4 ± 5.8 (50, 100 and 200 mg.kg–1) at day 3 that was significantly less compared to the diabetic control, followed by progressive decrease in glucose level to baseline glycaemia. The tissue morphology in the extract treated showed the beta cells to be devoid of pathological changes. There was marked decrease in CRP concentration in the extract/glibenclamide treated compared to the diabetic control. The hepatic SOD and CAT levels showed recovery in the treated groups compared to diabetic control. The hepatic TBARS which increased after alloxan challenge decreased appreciably in the treated. Conclusion: SJ root showed to have protective effect on beta cells against alloxan induced diabetes.