We investigated the phytochemical content, the antioxidant capacity and the anti-diabetic properties of aqueous and hydroethanolic (50%) extracts of the leaves of Acalypha wilkesiana Muell. Arg. A phytochemical screening was carried out to identify the different bioactive metabolites. The polyphenolic content and the antioxidant capacity of both extracts were determined using Folin-ciocalteu and FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) methods respectively. In vivo studies were conducted in normal and streptozocin induced diabetic male rats. The effect of both extracts on postprandial blood glucose level was determined in 16 fasted normal rats. The effect of the extracts on fasting blood glucose was determined in streptozotocin induced-diabetic rats (400 mg/kg) for 5 hours. The hydroethanolic extract contained more polyphenols compared to the aqueous extract (218,51 ± 17,41 vs 111,02± 12,15 mg equivalent catechin /g of extract; p