Antidiabetic, hypolipidemic and histopathological analysis of Dillenia indica (L.) leaves extract on alloxan induced diabetic rats

ObjectiveTo investigate antidiabetic, hypolipidemic histopathological analysis of Dillenia indica (D. indica) methanolic leaves (DIME) extract in alloxan induced diabetic rat by administering oral doses (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight).MethodsBlood glucose levels were measured using blood glucose test strips with elegance glucometer on weekly intervals till the end of study (i.e. 3 weeks). Other parameters e.g. liver profile, renal profile and total lipid levels were determined in normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats after oral administration of the extract for 21 days. Histopathological changes in diabetic rat organs (pancreas, liver and kidney) were also observed after extract treatment.ResultsDaily oral administration DIME (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight) and glibenclamide (10 mg/kg) showed beneficial effects on blood glucose level (P < 0.001) as well as improving kidney, liver functions and hyperlipidaemia due to diabetes. The extract treatment also showed to enhanced serum insulin level and body weight of diabetic rats as compared to diabetic control group. Furthermore, the extract has a favorable effect on the histopathological changes of the pancreas, liver and kidney in alloxan induced diabetes.ConclusionsD. indica possess antidiabetic property as well improve body weight, liver profile, renal profile and total lipid levels. DIME has also favorable effect to inhibit the histopathological changes of the pancreas and kidney in alloxan induced diabetes.     

Anti-hyperglycemic activity of leaves extract of Hyptis suaveolens L. Poit in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

ObjectiveTo evaluate the antihyperglycemic activity of leaves of Hyptis suaveolens using streptozotocin model.MethodsHyptis suaveolens extract (HSE) 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight was administered orally to streptozotocin induced diabetes, once daily for 21 days.ResultsA significant reduction in blood glucose was observed in diabetic animals treated with HSE at different doses when compared with diabetic rats. Levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein were decreased while administering HSE at different doses, compared with their control values in diabetic animals.ConclusionsOur results show that HSE possesses significant antihyperglycemic activity which might be attributed to stimulating effects on glucose utilization and antioxidant enzyme.     

Antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant potential of methanol extract of Tectona grandis flowers in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

ObjectiveTo investigate antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activity of methanol extract of Tectona grandis (T. grandis) flowers (METGF) in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats to supports its traditional use.MethodsAcute toxicity study of METGF was carried out in rat to determine its dose for the antidiabetic study. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed to evaluate METGF effect on elevated blood glucose level. Diabetes was induced in rats by administration of STZ (60 mg/kg, ip.) and it was confirmed 72 h after induction. METGF was orally given to the diabetic rats up to 28 days and blood glucose level were estimated each week. On 28 day of the experiment, diabetic rats were sacrificed after the blood collection for the biochemical parameters analysis and liver, kidney was collected to determine antioxidants levels.ResultsIn acute toxicity, METGF did not show toxicity and death up to a dose 2 000 mg/kg in rats. Administration of METGF 100 and 200 mg/kg significantly (P<0.001) reduced blood glucose levels in OGTT and STZ-induced diabetic rats. Both doses of METGF treatment significantly (P<0.001, P<0.01 and P<0.05) increased body weight, serum insulin, haemoglobin (Hb) and total protein levels in diabetic rats. Also, MEGTF treatment reduced elevated glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and other biochemical parameters levels significantly (P<0.001) in diabetic rats. Altered lipid profiles and antioxidants levels were reversed to near normal in diabetic rats treated with METGF.ConclusionsThese results concluded that METGF possesses antidiabetic, antihyperglycemic and antioxidant activity which supports its traditional use.     

Evaluation of antihyperglycemic and antioxidant activities of Saraca asoca (Roxb.) De Wild leaves in streptozotocin induced diabetic mice

ObjectiveTo investigate the antihyperglycemic and antioxidant properties of the petroleum Ether, chloroform and methanol extract ofSaraca asoca (Roxb.) De Wild (S. asoca) leaves in mice.MethodsSwiss albino mice were made diabetic by a single dose of streptozotocin (150 mg/kg i.p.). Blood glucose levels and body weights of mice were measured using on weekly intervals i.e. day 0, 7, 14 and 21 after daily administration of all extracts at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg. Other biochemical parameters such as serum cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, urea, creatinin and proteins levels were also measured at the end of study. The effects of all extracts were also noticed on vital organs e.g. liver, kidney and pancreas. The antioxidant potential of all extracts was also determined by DPPH and H₂O₂ radical scavenging in vitro methods.ResultsOral administration of the extracts for 21 days caused a significant (P <0.01) reduction in blood glucose levels in diabetic mice. Among all the extracts, methanol extract showed better results. The body weight of diabetic animals was also improved after daily administration of extracts. All the extracts also improved other altered biochemical parameters associated with diabetes. Furthermore, the extracts have favorable effects on the histopathological changes of the pancreas, liver and kidney in STZ induced diabetic mice. All the extracts showed significant (P <0.05) antioxidant activity at the dose of 500 µg/ml.ConclusionsS. asoca possesses antihyperglycemic and antioxidant properties as well improves body weight, liver profile, renal profile and total lipid levels. It can justify folklore uses of the plant in diabetes.     

Antihyperglycemic and in vivo antioxidative activity evaluation of Cinnamomum bejolghota (Buch.-Ham.) in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats: an ethnomedicinal plant in Assam

ObjectiveTo evaluate the antihyperglycemic property of Cinnamomum bejolghota (Buch.-Ham.) on streptozotocin induced type-2 diabetic rats.MethodsOral glucose tolerance test level was measured at 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after the administration of extract. The extract was orally administered once daily at two dose levels of 250 and 500 mg/kg for 15 d. The effect of methanolic extract of Cinnamomum bejolghota (MECB) on the divergence of body weights, blood glucose levels and the biochemical parameters viz., total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, triglyceride, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase were measured in an autoanalyzer. Histopathology of pancreas and in vivo antioxidative status was studied.ResultsA significant increase in bodyweights and rapid decrease in hyperglycemic peak was experiential in animals treated with MECB. After 15 d treatment the total cholesterol, TG, low density lipoprotein level decreased and high density cholesterol level increased significantly. MECB reduced the levels of the elevated marker enzymes aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase. MECB reduced the lipid peroxidation and improved the level of catalase and glutathione in liver. Histopathological studies of pancreas in diabetic and treated groups substantiate the cytoprotective action of extract.ConclusionsIt can be evident from the research work that Cinnamomum bejolghota (Buch.-Ham.) has potent antihyperglycemic activity and supports the in vivo antioxidative status.     

Effects of Gmelina arborea extract on experimentally induced diabetes

ObjectiveTo study the effects of aqueous extract of Gmelina arborea bark on normoglycemic levels and streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes in rats.MethodsAfter single administration of the aqueous extract, plasma glucose level was determined up to 6 h. In subacute study, the aqueous extract was administered for 28 d and plasma glucose level was determined weekly. The diabetes was induced in rats by the intraperitoneal injection of STZ at a dose of 55 mg/kg body weight. The diabetic animals were divided into four groups containing six in each: Group I diabetic control, Group II and III treated with the aqueous extract respectively at a dose of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight once daily and Group IV treated with glibenclamide at a dose of 0.6 mg/kg body weight once daily. In acute study, the aqueous extract and glibenclamide were administered orally to rats. Plasma glucose levels were determined at 30, 60, 120, 240 and 360 min after the administration of the test samples. To study subacute effects, test samples (the aqueous extract and glibenclamide) were administered for 28 d consecutively. The effects of each test sample on plasma glucose level, body weight as well as food and water intake were also monitored weekly. The oral glucose tolerance test and biochemical indicators were estimated on day 28.ResultsThe aqueous extract did not significantly decrease the plasma glucose level in the normoglycemic rats as shown by the acute and subacute assays. However, after oral administration of the aqueous extract, the plasma glucose level was significantly (P<0.001) decreased in the diabetic rats in the acute study. The long-term administration of the aqueous extract significantly (P<0.001) reduced plasma glucose levels of the diabetic rats. Additionally, the aqueous extract also reduced loss of body weight and significantly decreased food and water intake in the diabetic animals. Nevertheless, no effects on biochemical indicators were observed at the selected doses.ConclusionsThe aqueous extract of Gmelina arborea bark had antihyperglycemic activity against STZ induced diabetes in rats, after single and subacute oral administration. Moreover, it did not show significant glucose lowering effect in normoglycemic rats.     

Antidiabetic activity of aqueous root extract of Merremia tridentata (L.) Hall. f. in streptozotocin-induced-diabetic rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the antidiabetic effect of aqueous extract of Merremia tridentata (M. tridentata) root (MTRAE) in normal, glucose-loaded hyperglycemic and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.MethodsOral administration of MTRAE at the doses of 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg was studied in normal, glucose-loaded and STZ-diabetic rats. The three doses caused significant reduction in blood glucose levels in all the models.ResultsThe effect was more pronounced in 100 and 150 mg/kg than 50 mg/kg. MTRAE also showed significant increase in serum insulin, body weight and glycogen content in liver and skeletal muscle of STZ-induced diabetic rats while there was significant reduction in the levels of serum triglyceride and total cholesterol. MTRAE also showed significant antilipidperoxidative effect in the pancreas of STZ-induced diabetic rats. The antidiabetic effect of M. tridentata was compared with glibenclamide, a well known hypoglycemic drug.ConclusionsThe results indicate that aqueous extract of M. tridentata root possesses significant antidiabetic activity.     

Anti-arthritis activity of roots of Hemidesmus indicus R.Br. (Anantmul) in rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effects of hydroalcoholic and its fractions from roots of Hemidesmus indicus on arthritis in in vitro models of rodents.MethodsPreliminary phytochemical analysis and thin-layer chromoatography were performed to analyze constituents of hydroalcoholic extract and its three fraction namely ethyl acetate fraction, chloroform fraction and residual fraction of root of Hemidesmus indicus. Arthritis rats models were established by Complete Freund's Adjuvant. The parameters including paw edema, body weight, arthritic index, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum rheumatoid factor, serum C-reactive protein, serum nitrite level, and histopathology of synovial joints were observed. Methotrexate was taken as positive control.ResultsRats treated with hydroalcoholic extract (450 mg/kg, p.o.), ethyl acetate (75 mg/kg, p.o.), chloroform (60 mg/kg, p.o) and residual fractions (270 mg/kg, p.o.), showed significant decrease in physical and biochemical parameters compared with arthritic model rats. Hydroalcoholic extract and its ethyl acetate fraction of Hemidesmus indicus showed significantly higher anti-arthritic activity than chloroform and residual fraction. Histopathological analysis demonstrated that both of hydroalcoholic extract and its ethyl acetate fraction had comparable anti-arthritic activity with methotrexates.ConclusionsThe present study suggests that Hemidesmus indicus has protective activity against arthritis and the activity might be attributed to presence of terpenoid in hydroalcoholic extract, as well as in ethyl acetate fraction.     

Effect of Gymnema montanum leaves on serum and tissue lipids in alloxan diabetic rats

The effect of Gymnema montanum leaves on alloxan-induced hyperlipidemia was studied in male Wistar rats. Ethanolic extract of G. montanum leaves was administered orally and different doses of the extract on blood glucose, serum and tissue lipids, hexokinase, glucose-6-phosphatase, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), hydroperoxides, and glutathione in alloxan-induced diabetic rats were studied. G. montanum leaf extract (GLEt) at doses of 50, 100, 200 mg/kg body weight for 3 weeks suppressed the elevated blood glucose and lipid levels in diabetic rats. GLEt at 200 mg/kg body weight was found to be comparable to glibenclamide, a reference drug. These data indicate that G. montanum represents an effective antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic adjunct for the treatment of diabetes and a potential source of discovery of new orally active agent for future therapy.     

Toxicological evaluation of ethanolic extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum in albino wistar rats

ObjectiveTo evaluate the sub chronic toxicity of ethanolic extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum (A. pyrethrum) in albino wistar rats.MethodsIn sub chronic toxicity study ethanolic extract of A. pyrethrum prepared in 2%v/v tween 80 was administered to rats at the dose of 1 000 mg/kg per day for 90 days by oral gavage. A control group received only 2%v/v tween 80. During study period the rats were observed for changes body weight. At the end of dosing period rats relative organ weight of the liver, kidney, brain, lungs and spleen in rats treated with A. pyrethrum extract and control group were examined and also rats were subjected to haematological, biochemical and histopathological examination.ResultsThe administration of ethanolic extract of A. pyrethrum had no effect on body weight, growth and survival. There was no significant difference in the relative organ weight of the liver, kidney, brain, lungs and spleen in rats treated with A. pyrethrum extract and control group. In the present study, all the haematological and biochemical parameters at the end of dosing and observation period did not reveal difference between drug treated and control groups. Studies on histopathological examination of vital organs showed normal architecture suggesting no evidence of pathological lesions.ConclusionsThe studies on sub chronic toxicity reveals that no mortalities or evidence of adverse effects on oral administration of extract. The findngs of the study indicate that ethanolic extract of A. pyrethrum had no treatment related toxicological abnormalities and can be considerd as safe for long-term treatment.     

Evaluation of antihyperglycemic and antioxidant properties of Streblus asper Lour against streptozotocin–induced diabetes in rats

ObjectiveTo evaluate antidiabetic and antioxidant role of methanol extract of Streblus asper (S. asper) root bark in Wistar rats.MethodsDiabetes was induced in rats by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 65 mg/kg body weight). Three days after STZ induction, the diabetic rats were treated with S. asper orally at dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight daily for 15 days. Glibenclamide (0.25 mg/kg, orally) was used as reference drug. The fasting blood glucose levels were measured on every fifth day during the 15-day treatment. Serum biochemical parameters such as serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, serum alkaline phosphatase, total cholesterol total protein and serum triglycerides were estimated. Antioxidant properties were assessed by estimating liver and kidney thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, reduced glutathione and catalase.ResultsS. asper in STZ-induced diabetic rats, at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg bw produced reduction in blood glucose levels when compared with the STZ control group. Serum biochemical parameters antioxidant levels were significantly restored toward normal levels in S. asper treated rats as compared with STZ control.ConclusionsThe present study infers that the methanol extract of S. asper root bark demonstrated remarkable antidiabetic activity in STZ-induced diabetic rats. The potential antidiabetic action is plausibly due to its underlying antioxidant role.     

Antihyperglycemic activity of Areca Catechu flowers

ObjectiveTo evaluate the antidiabetic effect of Areca catechu (A. catechu) flower extracts in alloxan induced diabetic rats.MethodsPetroleum ether, ethanol and aqueous extracts of A. catechu flowers were administrated orally at the dose of 500 mg/kg for hypoglycemic effect in alloxan induced diabetic rats for 21 d. The anti-diabetic potential was validated through various biochemical parameters and body weight.ResultsThe results revealed that, the ethanol and aqueous extracts of A. catechu flowers have shown a significant antidiabetic efficacy in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Further, this is confirmed by significantly restoring the levels of biochemical parameters and improvement in body weight. Preliminary phytochemical investigation reveals high phenolic constituents in both extracts.ConclusionsThe significant antihyperglycemic effect of ethanol and aqueous extracts in alloxan induced diabetic rats could be due to high phenolic constituents by effectively reversing the levels of biochemical parameters and also improvement in body weight. So it might be of value in the treatment of diabetes.     

Evaluation of antihyperglycemic activity of methanolic Tecomaria capensis Thunb. (Bignoniaceae) leaves extract in alloxan induced hyperglycemic rats

ObjectiveTo evaluate the antihyperglycemic activity of Tecomaria capensis (T. capensis) Thunb. (Bignoniaceae) methanolic leaves extract (TCLE) using blood glucose level in normal fasted rats, glucose tolerance test and alloxan induced hyperglycemia models.MethodsTCLE (100, 300, 1 000 and 2 000 mg/kg body wt.) was given to rats orally to observe acute toxicity, and observed for 14 d. TCLE 200 and 400 mg/kg, and glibenclamide 0.6 mg/kg were given orally in all models.ResultsResults demonstrated that the no mortality was reported even after 14 d. This indicates that the methanol extract is safe up to a single dose of 2 000 mg/kg body weight. TCLE (200 and 400 mg/kg p.o.) exhibited remarkable blood glucose lowering effect in blood glucose level in normal fasted rats, glucose tolerance and alloxan induced hyperglycemia model. Cholesterol and triglyceride also decreased in alloxan induced hyperglycemia model.ConclusionsThe results of this study exhibites that methanol extract of T. capensis possesses antihypergycemic activity and it may prove to be effective for the treatment of hyperglycemia.     

Reduced noradrenaline turnover in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Summary To clarify whether activity of the sympathetic nervous system is decreased in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, noradrenaline turnover, which is a reliable indicator of sympathetic nervous system activity, was measured in the interscapular brown adipose tissue, heart and pancreas of streptozotocin diabetic rats. Results from studies using inhibition of noradrenaline biosynthesis with -methyl-p-tyrosine demonstrated significant reductions (p<0.05-0.001) in sympathetic nervous system activity in the interscapular brown adipose tissue, heart and pancreas of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) diabetic rats, compared with measurements in streptozotocin (35 mg/kg) diabetic and saline-control rats. The daily injections of neutral protamine Hagedorn insulin to streptoz/otocin (65 mg/kg) diabetic rats prevented the decrease of noradrenaline turnover in the interscapular brown adipose tissue and heart significantly (p<0.02), but this was less marked in pancreas, compared with non-treated streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) diabetic rats. Furthermore reduced noradrenaline turnover was also observed in the control rats which showed comparable changes in body weight to the rats injected with streptozotocin (65 mg/kg). These results suggest that poorly controlled streptozotocin diabetic rats may have reduced sympathetic nervous function, and that insulin therapy might prevent this.     

Rhinacanthus nasutus – Its protective role in oxidative stress and antioxidant status in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

ObjectiveTo find out the protective action of methanolic extract of Rhinacanthus nasutus (R. nasutus) on lipid peroxidation (LPO) activities and enzymatic antioxidants of liver in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats.MethodsExperimental diabetes was induced by a single dose of STZ (50 mg/kg) through intraperitoneal injection. The oxidative stress was measured by tissue LPO level and by enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in liver.ResultsThe raise in LPO levels with reduction in enzymatic activities was the outstanding features observed in diabetic control rats. Administration of R. nasutus (200 mg/kg body weight per day) for 30 days caused a significant reduction in LPO level in STZ induced diabetic rats (group IV) when compared with diabetic control rats (group III). Moreover,R. nasutus treated diabetic rats (group IV) showed significant increase in the activities of enzymatic antioxidants when compared to diabetic control rats (group III).ConclusionThe results obtained specify the ameliorating effects of R. nasutus in the role of oxidative stress created in the experimental diabetic rats.     

Effect of Emilia sonchifolia (Linn.)DC on alcohol-induced oxidative stress in pancreas of male albino rats

ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy of n-hexane extract of Emilia sonchifolia (E. sonchifobia) against ethanol induced pancreatic dysfunction in the young Wistar albino rats.MethodsThe rats were divided into four groups. Control rats in group received distilled water orally, group received oral administration of 20% (w/v) ethanol dissolved in drinking water, group received oral administration of 20% (w/v) ethanol in distilled water+n-hexane extract of E. sonchifolia (250 mg/kg body weight), and group received oral administration of n-hexane extract of E. sonchifolia (250 mg/kg body weight) alone. Liver marker enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), pancreatic enzymatic antioxidants superoxide dismutase, lipid peroxidation, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, non-enzymatic antioxidants glutathione and vitamin C were measured and compared.ResultsAdministration of 20% ethanol for 16 weeks significantly increased the liver marker enzymes AST, ALT(P<0.05), reduced the pancreatic enzymatic antioxidants superoxide dismutase, lipid peroxidation, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione and vitamin C(P<0.05). Histopathological examination showed that the ethanol provoked the oxidative stress which was demonstrated as pancreatic necrosis and oedema. Simultaneous administration of n-hexane extract of E. sonchifolia (250 mg/kg body weight) protected the pancreas against the damage induced by ethanol which was confirmed by the histopathological studies and the normalization of biochemical parameters.ConclusionsThus n-hexane extract of E. sonchifolia shows a promise in therapeutic use in alcohol induced oxidative stress.     

Study of anti ulcer activity of Ficus religiosa L. on experimentally induced gastric ulcers in rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the gastroprotective activity of hydroalcoholic extract leaves of Ficus religiosa (F. religiosa) in different experimental models of gastric ulcer in rats.MethodsThe hydroalcoholic extract leaves of F. religiosa were studied at two dose levels (250 and 500 mg/kg, oral) in rats against absolute ethanol (0.2 mL oral), aspirin (200 mg/kg) and pyloric ligation induced gastric ulcer. Ranitidine (50 mg/kg, oral) was used as a standard drug. Mean ulcer indices and oxidative stress were measured. Phytochemical tests and acute toxicity tests were also carried out.ResultsAdministration of F. religiosa to rats significantly decreased the ulcer index value when compared with the control treated group. Ranitidine (50 mg/kg, oral) also produced a significant decrease the ulcer index value when compared with the control treated group. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, sterols, saponins, flavonoids, carbohydrates and proteins.ConclusionsThe results suggest that the leaves of the F. religiosa possess significant anti ulcer activity.     

Antihyperglycemic effects of the methanol leaf extract of Diaphananthe bidens in normoglycemic and streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemic rats

ObjectiveTo evaluate the methanol leaf extract of Diaphanathe bidens (D. bidens) (AFZEL. EX SW) SCHLTR for antihyperglycemic activity in order to confirm it antidiabetic potential.MethodsD. bidens was extracted by cold maceration for 48 h and concentrated in vacuo to yield D. bidens extract (DBE). Hyperglycemia was induced by intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin (75 mg/kg). Oral glucose tolerance test was done with 2 g/kg glucose load in normal rats. DBE (150, 300 and 600 mg/kg) was administered orally, while tolbutamide (100 mg/kg, p.o.) was used as the standard reference drug. Blood glucose levels determined using ACCUCHEK glucose auto-analyzer. The acute toxicity and phytochemical studies were also carried out.ResultsDBE (600 mg/kg) and tolbutamide (100 mg/kg) significantly (P<0.05, 0.005) reduced blood glucose levels of rats between 120 and 480 min post administration in normal rats. In the streptozotocin- induced hyperglycemic rats, DBE (150, 300, 600 mg/kg) caused significant (P<0.001) dose- and time- dependent reduction in the blood glucose levels by 1.7%, 22.8% and 43.4%, respectively at 480 min compared to the negative control group. DBE (600 mg/kg) reduced the blood glucose level of rats by 1.2% in the oral glucose tolerance test when compared with the normal saline treated group. The acute toxicity test showed that DBE was safe at the doses used and the phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, steroids, tannins and terpernoids.ConclusionsD. bidens extract possess antihyperglycemic activity which may be mediated through pancreatic and extra-pancreatic pathways, thereby justifying it folkloric use.     

Protective effect of Cardiospermum halicacabum leaf extract on glycoprotein components on STZ–induced hyperglycemic rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the protective role of Cardiospermum halicacabum (C. halicacabum) leaf extract on glycoprotein metabolism in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.MethodsDiabetes was induced in male albino Wistar rats by intraperitonial administration of STZ. The C. halicacabum leaf extract (CHE) was administered orally to normal and STZ–diabetic rats for 45 days. The effects of C. halicacabum leaf extract (CHE) on plasma and tissue glycoproteins (hexose, hexosamine, fucose and sialic acid) were determined.ResultsThe levels of plasma and tissues glycoproteins containing hexose, hexosamine and fucose were significantly increased in STZ–induced diabetic rats. In addition, the level of sialic acid significantly increased in plasma and liver while decreased in kidney of STZ–induced diabetic rats. After administration of CHE to diabetic rats, the metabolic alteration of glycoprotein reverted towards normal levels.ConclusionsThe present study indicates that the CHE possesses a protective effect on abnormal glycoprotein metabolism in addition to its antihyperglycemic activity.     

Effect of ethanolic extract of Embelia ribes on dyslipidemia in diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus has been treated orally with herbal remedies based on folk medicine since ancient times. Embelia ribes burm (Myrsinaceae), known commonly as vidanga, was used in Ayurveda for its anthelmintic activity. Ayurveda describes vidanga as pungent, causes increase in digestive fire, and cures flatulence and colic. A single study reported the antihyperglycemic activity of decoction of E. ribes in glucose-induced hyperglycemic albino rabbits. In the present study, the lipid-lowering and antioxidant potential of ethanolic extract of E. ribes burm was investigated in streptozotocin (40 mg/kg, IV, single injection)-induced diabetes in rats. Twenty days of orally feeding the extract (200 mg/kg) to diabetic rats resulted in significant (P < 0.01) decrease in blood glucose, serum total cholesterol, and triglycerides, and increase in HDL-cholesterol levels when compared to pathogenic diabetic rats. Further, the extract also lowered the liver and pancreas thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARSs) values (P < 0.01) when compared to TBARS values of liver and pancreas of pathogenic diabetic rats. The results of test drug were comparable to gliclazide (25 mg/kg, orally), a standard antihyperglycemic agent. This is the first pilot study to provide biochemical evidence of potential of E. ribes in diabetic dyslipidemia.