葫芦巴总皂苷对链脲佐霉素诱导的糖尿病大鼠血小板活化的调节作用

目的:观察葫芦巴总皂苷(TFGs)对链脲佐霉素(STZ)诱导的糖尿病大鼠血小板活化的调控作用。方法:将正常大鼠和糖尿病大鼠随机分为未治疗对照组、治疗对照组、未治疗糖尿病组和治疗糖尿病组。两治疗组采用TFGs治疗4周。治疗结束后,分别检测大鼠体质量、血糖和胰岛素水平,采用流式细胞术检测各组大鼠血小板膜P选择素(CD62P)的表达,采用比浊法检测各组大鼠血小板最大聚集率。结果:与正常大鼠相比,糖尿病大鼠血糖明显升高,体质量和胰岛素水平显著下降,糖尿病大鼠经TFGs治疗后体质量明显增加,血糖下降,胰岛素水平升高;糖尿病大鼠血小板CD62P表达和血小板聚集率明显增高,经TFGs治疗后明显降低。结论:TFGs具有明显抑制STZ糖尿病大鼠血小板活化作用,是一种具有防治糖尿病血管病变作用的降糖药物。     

Hypoglycemic effect of aqueous extract of Parthenium hysterophorus L. in normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats

Objectives:

To study the effects of Parthenium hysterophorus L. flower on serum glucose level in normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods:

Albino rats were divided into six groups of six animals each, three groups of normal animals receiving different treatments consisting of vehicle, aqueous extract of Parthenium hysterophorus L. flower (100 mg/kg) and the standard antidiabetic drug, glibenclamide (0.5 mg/kg). The same treatment was given to the other three groups comprising alloxan induced diabetic animals. Fasting blood glucose level was estimated using the glucose oxidase method in normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats, before and 2 h after the administration of drugs.

Results:

Parthenium hysterophorus L. showed significant reduction in blood glucose level in the diabetic (P<0.01) rats. However, the reduction in blood glucose level with aqueous extract was less than with the standard drug glibenclamide. The extract showed less hypoglycemic effect in fasted normal rats, (P<0.05).

Conclusion:

The study reveals that the active fraction of Parthenium hysterophorus L. flower extract is very promising for developing standardized phytomedicine for diabetes mellitus.     

Protective effects of Phyllanthus amarus aqueous extract against renal oxidative stress in Streptozotocin -induced diabetic rats

Aim and Objectives:

In the present study, we have evaluated the antihyperglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities of aqueous extract of Phyllanthus amarus (PAAEt) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods:

PAAEt was administered at 200 mg/kg body weight/day to normal treated (NT-group) and STZ-induced diabetic treated rats (DT-group) by gavage for eight weeks. During the experimental period, blood was collected from fasted rats at 10 days intervals and plasma glucose level was estimated. The plasma lipid profile was estimated at the end of experimental period. After the treatment, period kidney lipid peroxidation (LPO), protein oxidation and reduced glutathione (GSH) were estimated and antioxidant enzymes viz., glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were also assayed.

Results:

The significant decrease in the body weight, hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia observed in STZ-induced diabetic rats (D-group) were rectified with PAAEt treatment in diabetic treated group (DT-group). D-group rats showed increased renal oxidative stress with increased LPO and protein oxidation. DT-group showed a significant decrease in renal LPO, protein oxidation and a significant increase in GSH content and GR, GPx and GST activities when compared with D-group. The activities of SOD and CAT decreased significantly in D-group, but were normalized in DT-group. Normal rats treated with PAAEt (NT-rats) showed a significant decrease in lipid profile, renal LPO and protein oxidation, with significant increase in renal GSH and activities of antioxidant enzymes compared to normal rats (N-group).

Conclusion:

Our results demonstrated that PAAEt with its antidiabetic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant properties could be a potential herbal medicine in treating diabetes and renal problems.     

Antidiabetic activity of ethanolic extract of tubers of Dioscorea alata in alloxan induced diabetic rats

Objective:

To evaluate the antidiabetic activity of ethanolic extract of Dioscorea alata in glucose loaded and alloxan induced diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods:

The authenticated tubers of D. alata (DA) (JSSCPDP/2008/157) were collected from Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu. The ethanol extract was tested for hypoglycemic activity in normal rats. In oral glucose tolerance test, glucose (3 g/kg, p.o.) was administered to non diabetic control, metformin (250 mg/kg, p.o.) and DA extract (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) to treat treated rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced by alloxan monohydrate (120 mg/kg, i.p.) in physiological saline after overnight fasting for 18 hours. DA extract (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) and standard drug metformin (250 mg/kg, p.o.) were administered to diabetic rats for 21 days. Fasting blood glucose level and changes in body weight were measured on days 0, 7, 14, and 21. At the end of 21^st day, serum lipid profile, total protein, albumin, and creatinine were assessed.

Results:

In glucose loaded normal rats, the treatment with the extract of DA had shown a highly significant reduction (P < 0.001) in blood glucose levels at the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively. The extract did not produce hypoglycemic activity at both the dose levels in normal, fasted rats. In alloxan induced diabetic rats, the body weight of the DA extract treated animals had shown a significant increase (P < 0.001) after 21 days treatment. The blood glucose level was reduced significantly by 47.48% and 52.09% after 21 days treatment at dose levels 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively. Serum lipid levels, total protein, albumin, and creatinine were reversed toward near normal in treated rats as compared to diabetic control.

Conclusion:

The results indicate that ethanol extract of DA tubers possesses significant antidiabetic activity.     

The hypoglycemic effect of Juglans regia leaves aqueous extract in diabetic patients: A first human trial

Background

Juglans regia L. (J. regia ) is one of the medicinal plants traditionally used for treatment of diabetes in Iranian medicine. The effect of this plant has already been investigated on animal models; however, this is the first study conducted on human subjects. The aim of this study is to investigate the hypoglycemic effect of J. regia leaves aqueous extract in type 2 diabetes patients. Fifty eight Iranian male and female patients with type 2 diabetes were enrolled. The patients were randomly allocated into two groups. One group (n = 30) received J. regia leaves extract while the other group (n = 28) received placebo. Fasting blood samples were collected at the beginning of the study and after two months for determination of HbA1c and blood glucose level as a main outcome and insulin, SGOT, SGPT, and ALP level as secondary outcome.

Results

Our analysis showed that serum fasting HbA1C and blood glucose levels were significantly decreased and the insulin level was increased in patients in the J. regia arm.

Conclusions

The results indicate that J. regia aqueous extract favorably affects blood levels of glucose, insulin and HbA1C in type 2 diabetic patients.     

Ethanol extract of Butea monosperma bark modulates dyslipidemia in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Context: Dyslipidemia is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease in diabetes mellitus (DM). The availability of multiple lipid-lowering drugs and supplements provides new opportunities for patients to regulate lipid levels.

Objective: The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of Butea monosperma Lam. (Fabaceae) bark extract in diabetes-induced dyslipidemia.

Materials and methods: A daily dose of B. monosperma bark extract (BMBE, 500?mg/kg body weight) was given orally to streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats for 60?d. Several indices such as blood glucose, insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin, TC, TG, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), apo A1, apo B, activities of lipogenic enzymes in tissues, liver function tests, and histopathology of liver were analyzed to assess the modulation of STZ-induced diabetic dyslipidemia by B. monosperma bark.

Results: BMBE significantly reduced blood glucose (40.79%) and increased plasma insulin (37.5%) levels in diabetic rats. Altered levels of serum lipids, lipoproteins, and activities of lipogenic enzymes in tissues were partially restored upon the administration of BMBE in diabetic rats. Liver function tests and histopathological examination revealed that consumption of BMBE at a dose of 500?mg/kg body weight had no toxic effects in experimental rats.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that BMBE supplementation could ameliorate dyslipidemia in DM.     

Alcoholic leaf extract of Plectranthus amboinicus regulates carbohydrate metabolism in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Objective:

The present investigation was undertaken to explore the possible mechanisms of Plectranthus amboinicus leaf extract in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods:

Control and alloxan-induced diabetic albino rats received different treatments; orally control (vehicle), 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of ethanol extract of Plectranthus amboinicus (PAEE) and 600 μg/kg of glibenclamide (standard) for 15 days. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed and enzyme activities of carbohydrate metabolism were measured in the liver.

Results:

Diabetic control rats showed a significant elevation (P < 0.001) in fasting blood glucose on successive days of the experiment as compared with their basal values, which was maintained over a period of 2 weeks. Daily oral treatment with PAEE showed a significant reduction (P < 0.001) in the blood glucose levels on successive days of the experiment as compared with their basal values. The most pronounced antihyperglycemic effect was obtained with the dose of 400 mg/kg. PAEE shows a dose-dependent reduction in gluconeogenic enzymes like glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-disphosphatase. After 15 days of treatment with PAEE, glycolytic enzymes like phosphoglucoisomerase resulted in a significant increase with a concomitant significant decrease in the activities of aldolase. On the other hand, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase was significantly improved in diabetic rats on administration of PAEE; the 400 mg/kg dose of PAEE elicited a more potent effect compared with the 200 mg/kg dose.

Conclusion:

The results obtained in this study provide evidence of the antidiabetic activity of PAEE, mediated through the regulation of carbohydrate metabolic enzyme activities.     

Antidiabetic activity of aqueous root extract of Ichnocarpus frutescens in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced type-II diabetes in rats

Objective:

To evaluate the antidiabetic activity of aqueous extract of roots of Ichnocarpus frutescens in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced type-II diabetes in rats.

Materials and Methods:

Streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced type-II diabetic rats (n = 6) were administered aqueous root extract (250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o.) of Ichnocarpus frutescens or vehicle (gum acacia solution) or standard drug glibenclamide (0.25 mg/kg) for 15 days. Blood samples were collected by retro-orbital puncture and were analyzed for serum glucose on days 0, 5, 10, and 15 by using glucose oxidase-peroxidase reactive strips and a glucometer. For oral glucose tolerance test, glucose (2 g/kg, p.o.) was administered to nondiabetic control rats and the rats treated with glibenclamide (10 mg/kg, p.o.) and aqueous root extract of Ichnocarpus frutescens. The serum glucose levels were analyzed at 0, 30, 60, and 120 min after drug administration. The effect of the extract on the body weight of the diabetic rats was also observed.

Results:

The aqueous root extract of Ichnocarpus frutescens (250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o.) induced significant reduction (P < 0.05) of fasting blood glucose levels in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced type-II diabetic rats on the 10^th and 15^th days. In the oral glucose tolerance test, the extract increased the glucose tolerance. It also brought about an increase in the body weight of diabetic rats.

Conclusion:

It is concluded that Ichnocarpus frutescens has significant antidiabetic activity as it lowers the fasting blood sugar level in diabetic rats and increases the glucose tolerance.     

Effect of an isolated active compound (Cg-1) of Cassia glauca leaf on blood glucose, lipid profile, and atherogenic index in diabetic rats

Objectives:

The objective of present study was to evaluate the effect of active principle (Cg-1) from Cassia glauca leaf on serum glucose and lipid profile in normal and diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods:

Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin in neonates. Oral administration of petroleum ether, chloroform, acetone, and methanol of C. glauca leaf (100 mg/kg, p.o.) for 21 days caused a decrease in fasting blood glucose (FBG) in diabetic rats. Among all the extracts, acetone extract was found to lower the FBG level significantly in diabetic rats. Glibenclamide was used as standard antidiabetic drug (5 mg/kg, p.o). Acetone extract was subjected to column chromatography that led to isolation of an active principle, which was given trivial name Cg-1. Cg-1 (50 mg/kg, p.o.) was studied for its hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic potential. The unpaired t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by post hoc test was used for statistical analysis.

Results:

Cg-1 caused a significant reduction in FBG level. It also caused reduction in cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL levels and improvement in the atherogenic index and HDL level in diabetic rats.

Conclusion:

Improvement in the FBG and the atherogenic index by Cg-1 indicates that Cg-1 has cardioprotective potential along with antidiabetic activity and provides a scientific rationale for the use as an antidiabetic agent.     

Beneficial effects of aloe vera leaf gel extract on lipid profile status in rats with streptozotocin diabetes

The effect of diabetes mellitus on lipid metabolism is well established. The association of hyperglycaemia with an alteration of lipid parameters presents a major risk for cardiovascular complications in diabetes. Many secondary plant metabolites have been reported to possess lipid-lowering properties. The present study was designed to examine the potential anti-hyperlipidaemic efficacy of the ethanolic extract from Aloe vera leaf gel in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. 2. Oral administration of Aloe vera gel extract at a dose of 300 mg/kg bodyweight per day to STZ-induced diabetic rats for a period of 21 days resulted in a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose, hepatic transaminases (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase), plasma and tissue (liver and kidney) cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids and phospholipids and a significant improvement in plasma insulin. 3. In addition, the decreased plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and increased plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein-and very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol in diabetic rats were restored to near normal levels following treatment with the extract. 4. The fatty acid composition of the liver and kidney was analysed by gas chromatography. The altered fatty acid composition in the liver and kidney of diabetic rats was restored following treatment with the extract. 5. Thus, the results of the present study provide a scientific rationale for the use of Aloe vera as an antidiabetic agent.     

Hypoglycemic activity of Erythrina variegata leaf in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Context: Erythrina variegata Linn. (Fabaceae), commonly known as Tiger’s Claw, is a thorny deciduous tree grown in tropical and subtropical regions of Eastern Africa, Southern Asia, and Northern Australia. In India, its leaves are traditionally used for diabetes mellitus.

Objective: To evaluate the hypoglycemic activity of methanol extract of E. variegata leaf (MEEV) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Wistar rats.

Materials and methods: Hyperglycemia was induced in rats by single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (55?mg/kg body weight). Three days after STZ induction, the hyperglycemic rats were treated with MEEV orally at the doses of 300, 600, and 900?mg/kg body weight daily for 21 days. Glibenclamide (1?mg/kg, orally) was used as reference drug. The fasting blood glucose levels were measured on every 7th day during the 21 days of treatment. Serum biochemical parameters including lipid content were estimated.

Results and discussion: MEEV at the doses of 300, 600, and 900?mg/kg orally significantly (P?<?0.01) and dose-dependently reduced and normalized blood glucose levels as compared to that of STZ control group; the dose 900?mg/kg being the most potent showing complete normalization of blood glucose levels. Serum biochemical parameters including lipid profile were significantly (P?<?0.01) restored toward normal levels in META-treated rats as compared to STZ control animals.

Conclusion: This study concludes that E. variegata leaf demonstrated promising hypoglycemic action in STZ-induced diabetic rats substantiating its ethnomedicinal use.     

Dose-dependent effect of captopril on aortic reactivity of streptozotocin-diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disorders. Strategies that interrupt the renin-angiotensin system have been known to reduce cardiovascular disease. The present study was performed to investigate the effect of sub-chronic administration of captopril on the aortic reactivity of streptozotocin-diabetic rats. Streptozotocin-diabetic rats received captopril (30 and 50 mg/kg per day) for 2 months. Contractile responses to phenylephrine (PE) and relaxation responses to acetylcholine (ACh) and isosorbide dinitrate (ISD) were obtained from aortic rings. Concentration-response curves from captopril-treated diabetic rats to PE were attenuated compared with vehicle (Saline)-treated diabetic rats, especially at a dose of 50 mg/kg captopril. In addition, endothelium-dependent relaxation responses induced by ACh were significantly higher in captopril-treated diabetic rats compared with diabetic rats. The endothelium-independent relaxation responses for ISD were found not to be significantly different among the groups. Therefore, sub-chronic treatment of diabetic rats with captopril in a dose-dependent manner could prevent the functional changes in vascular reactivity in diabetic rats.     

黄皮酰胺对糖尿病大鼠海马COX-2 mRNA和蛋白质表达的影响

目的探讨黄皮酰胺(Clausenamide,Clau)对糖尿病大鼠海马环氧化酶2(cyclooxygenase-2,COX-2)mRNA和蛋白质表达水平的影响。方法♂Wistar大鼠腹腔注射链脲佐菌素(48mg·kg-1)建立糖尿病模型,给予不同药物治疗3mon后,分别以RT-PCR法和免疫组织化学法观察大鼠海马COX-2 mRNA和蛋白质的表达。结果①RT-PCR结果显示,糖尿病大鼠海马的COX-2 mRNA表达明显增加(P<0.01);而Clau(50、25mg·kg-1)治疗组大鼠海马的COX-2mRNA表达明显降低(P<0.01);②免疫组化结果显示,糖尿病大鼠海马COX-2的蛋白质表达明显升高(P<0.01),Clau(50、25mg·kg-1)治疗组大鼠海马的COX-2的蛋白质表达明显降低(P<0.01)。结论黄皮酰胺可能通过抑制海马的COX-2mRNA及蛋白质表达起到糖尿病大鼠海马的保护作用。     

Antioxidant potential of aqueous extract of Phyllanthus amarus in rats

Objective:

Increased levels of oxidative stress may be implicated in the etiology of many pathological conditions. Protective antioxidant action imparted by many plant extracts and plant products make them promising therapeutic drugs for free radical induced pathologies. In this study we assessed the antioxidant potential of Phyllanthus amarus (Euphorbiaceae).

Materials and Methods:

Experimental rats were divided into two groups: Control and Phyllanthus amarus (P. amarus) treated. Treated rats received P. amarus aqueous extract (PAAEt) at a dose of 200 mg/kg body wt/day for 8 weeks. After the treatment period of 8 weeks lipid peroxidation (LPO), vitamin C, uric acid and reduced glutathione (GSH) were estimated in plasma and antioxidant enzymes: Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were also assayed. Genotoxicity of PAAEt was assessed by single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) of lymphocytes under both in vitro and in vivo conditions. The protective role of PAAEt against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), streptozotocin (STZ) and nitric oxide generating system induced lymphocyte DNA damage was also assessed by SCGE.

Results:

PAAEt treated rats showed a significant decrease in plasma LPO and a significant increase in plasma vitamin C, uric acid, GSH levels and GPx, CAT and SOD activities. SCGE experiment reveals that PAAEt was devoid of genotoxicity and had a significant protective effect against H₂O₂, STZ and nitric oxide (NO) induced lymphocyte DNA damage.

Conclusion:

The results suggest the non-toxic nature of PAAEt and consumption of PAAEt can be linked to improved antioxidant status and reduction in the risk of oxidative stress.     

Studies on anti-inflammatory effect of aqueous extract of leaves of Holoptelea integrifolia, Planch. in rats

Objectives:

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of aqueous extract of the leaves of H. integrifolia, Planch.

Materials and Methods:

The hind paw edema was produced in rats by subplanter injection of carageenan. The aqueous extract of H. integrifolia, Planch. (AHI) at dose (250 and 500 mg/kg p.o) was given to observe % inhibition of paw edema which were comparable with indomethacin (10 mg/kg p.o) used as a reference drug.

Results:

The extract administered orally at doses of 250 and 500 mglkg p.o produced a significant (P < 0.05) dose dependent inhibition of edema formation

Conclusions:

A significant % inhibition of paw edema by the aqueous extract of leaves of H. integrifolia, Planch. and its almost nearby same % inhibition with indomethacin suggest its usefulness as an anti-inflammatory agent.     

Tissue-specific alterations in expression and function of P-glycoprotein in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Aim:

To investigate the changes of expression and function of P-glycoprotein (P-GP) in cerebral cortex, hippocampus, liver, intestinal mucosa and kidney of streptozocin-induced diabetic rats.

Methods:

Diabetic rats were prepared via a single dose of streptozocin (65 mg/kg, ip). Abcb1/P-GP mRNA and protein expression levels in tissues were evaluated using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) analysis and Western blot, respectively. P-GP function was investigated via measuring tissue-to-plasma concentration ratios and body fluid excretion percentages of rhodamine 123.

Results:

In 5- and 8-week diabetic rats, Abcb1a mRNA levels were significantly decreased in cerebral cortices and intestinal mucosa, but dramatically increased in hippocampus and kidney. In liver, the level was increased in 5-week diabetic rats, and decreased in 8-week diabetic rats. Abcb1b mRNA levels were increased in cerebral cortex, hippocampus and kidney, but reduced in liver and intestinal mucosa in the diabetic rats. Western blot results were in accordance with the alterations of Abcb1a mRNA levels in most tissues examined. P-GP activity was markedly decreased in most tissues of diabetic rats, except kidney tissues.

Conclusion:

Alterations in the expression and function of Abcb1/P-GP under diabetic conditions are tissue specific, Abcb1 specific and diabetic duration-dependent.     

Hepatoprotective activity of aqueous extract of Portulaca oleracea in combination with lycopene in rats

Objective:

To investigate the hepatoprotective activity of the aqueous extract of the aerial parts of Portulaca oleracea (P. oleracea) in combination with lycopene against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Materials and Methods:

Hepatotoxicity was induced in male Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride (0.1 ml/kg b.w for 14 days). The aqueous extract of P. oleracea in combination with lycopene (50 mg/kg b.w) was administered to the experimental animals at two selected doses for 14 days. The hepatoprotective activity of the combination was evaluated by the liver function marker enzymes in the serum [aspartate transaminases (AST), alanine transaminases (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (Alk.P), total bilirubin (TB), total protein (TP) and total cholesterol (TC)], pentobarbitone induced sleeping time (PST) and histopathological studies of liver.

Results:

Both the treatment groups showed hepatoprotective effect against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity by significantly restoring the levels of serum enzymes to normal which was comparable to that of silymarin group. Besides, the results obtained from PST and histopathological results also support the study.

Conclusions:

The oral administration of P. oleracea in combination with lycopene significantly ameliorates CCl₄ hepatotoxicity in rats.     

Antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic activity of methanolic extract of Amaranthus viridis leaves in experimental diabetes

To investigate the antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of methanolic extract of leaves of Amaranthus viridis (MEAV) in normal and Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. The anti-hyperglycemic and hypolipidemic activity of methanolic extract of leaves of Amaranthus viridis was evaluated by using normal and STZ induced diabetic rats at dose of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg by mouth per day for 21 days. Blood glucose levels and body weight was monitored at specific intervals, and different biochemical parameters, serum cholesterol, serum triglyceride, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein were also assessed in the experimental animals. Histology of pancreas was performed. The statistical data indicated a significant increase in the body weight, decrease in the blood glucose, total cholesterol and serum triglycerides after treatment with MEAV. High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level was significantly increased when treated with extract. Histologically, focal necrosis was observed in the diabetic rat pancreas; however, was less obvious in treated groups. The MEAV has beneficial effects in reducing the elevated blood glucose level and body weight changes, and improves the lipid profile of STZ induced rats.     

Evaluation of anti-diabetic potential of leaves and stem of Flacourtia jangomas in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Objectives:

To study the efficacy of combination of Flacourtia jangomas leaf and stem (1:1) methanolic extract (MEFJ) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats and to investigate the qualitative phytochemical present in the extract. The study also aims to evaluate acute and short-term general toxicity of the extract in rats.

Material and Methods:

MEFJ of leaves and stem was subjected to preliminary qualitative phytochemical investigations by using standard procedures. The extract (400 mg/kg p.o.) was screened for antidiabetic activity in STZ-induced diabetic rats (30 mg/kg, i.p.). Acute oral toxicity study for the test extract of the plant was carried out using OECD/OCED guideline 425.

Results:

Phytochemical analysis of MEFJ of leaves and stem revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, carbohydrates, steroids, tannins, and phenolic compounds. In acute toxicity study, no toxic symptoms were observed for MEFJ up to dose 2000 mg/kg. Oral administration of MEFJ for 21 days exhibited highly significant (P < 0.01) hypoglycemic activity and also correction of altered biochemical parameters, namely cholesterol and triglycerides significantly (P < 0.05). Urine analysis on 1^st day showed the presence of glucose and traces of ketone in the entire group except normal control group. However, on 21^st day glucose and ketone traces were absent in MEFJ- and glibenclamide-treated groups while they were present in diabetic control. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance followed by Dunnett’s test.

Conclusion:

The observations confirm that methanolic extract of the leaf and stem of the plant has antidiabetic activity and is also involved in correction of altered biological parameters. It also warrants further investigation to isolate and identify the hypoglycemic principles in this plant so as to elucidate their mode of action.     

Antioxidant potential of the methanol-methylene chloride extract of Terminalia glaucescens leaves on mice liver in streptozotocin-induced stress

Aim:

The antioxidant effect of the methanol–methylene chloride extract of Terminalia glaucescens (Combretaceae) leaves was investigated in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced oxidative stress.

Methods:

Oxidative stress was induced in mice by a daily dose of STZ (45 mg/kg body weight i.p.) for five days. From day one, before STZ injection, normal and diabetic-test mice received an oral dose of the extract (100 or 300 mg/kg b.w.) daily. Plasma metabolites, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant enzymes in the liver were assessed and gain in body weight recorded.

Results:

In normal mice the plant extract reduced food and water intake, blood glucose and LDL-C level and body weight gain, did not affect the lipid peroxidation in the liver, while the antioxidant enzyme activities seemed increased. Blood glucose was decreased (P < 0.05) in normal mice treated with 300 mg/kg extract. Diabetic mice pretreated with 100 mg/kg extract as diabetic control mice (DC) showed significant (P < 0.001) body weight loss, polyphagia and polydipsia, high plasma glucose level, decrease in the liver catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities, and increase in lipid peroxidation. The HDL-C level was lowered (P < 0.05) whereas LDL-C increased. In 300 mg/kg extract-pretreated diabetic mice the extract prevented body weight loss, increase of blood glucose level, lipid peroxidation in liver, food and water intake, and lowering of plasma HDL-C level and liver antioxidants; this extract prevented LDL-C level increase.

Conclusion:

These results indicate that T. glaucescens protects against STZ-induced oxidative stress and could thus explain its traditional use for diabetes and obesity treatment or management.