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.     

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.     

Antidiabetic effects of sage (Salvia officinalis L.) leaves in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

BackgroundSage (Salvia officinalis L.) has a wide range of biological activities, such as anti-oxidative properties, anti-bacterial, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, fungistatic, virustatic, astringent, eupeptic and anti-hydrotic effects. This study was designed to examine the antidiabetic effect of sage ethanolic extract in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.MethodsOral administration of sage extract (0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 g/kg body weight) and glibenclamide (600 μg/kg) for 14 days on the level of serum glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, urea, uric acid, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were evaluated.ResultsOral administration of 0.2 and 0.4 g/kg body wt. of the sage extract for 14 days exhibited a significant reduction in serum glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, urea, uric acid, creatinine, AST, ALT and increased plasma insulin in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats but not in normal rats. Glibenclamide was used as reference and showed similar antidiabetic effect.ConclusionsIt is concluded that the traditional use of S. officinalis as an antidiabetic agent is justified and that extracts from this plant show a dose-dependent activity which is comparable to the standard antidiabetic drug glibenclamide.     

Antidiabetic and antihyperlipidaemic potential of Amaranthus viridis (L.) Merr. in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

ObjectiveThe present study is planned to investigate the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidaemic potential of Amaranthus viridis stem aqueous extract (AVSAE) in Stz-induced diabetic rats.MethodsDiabetes was induced in rats by single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (55mg/kg b.wt.). After 72 h rats with marked hyperglycaemia (fasting blood glucose ≥250 mg/dl) were selected and used for the study. Antidiabetic activity was evaluated by administration of AVSAE orally at the doses of 100,200 and 400 mg/kg body weight for 30 days. Glibenclamide (500 ug/kg) was used as the reference drug. Fasting blood glucose and lipid parameters, viz. triglycerides, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein levels were measured.ResultsIn STZ-induced diabetic rats, repeated administration of AVSAE significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the blood glucose level in a dose-dependent manner during the 30 days of treatment period. AVSAE modulated lipid profile changes in STZ-diabetic rats in a dose-dependent manner.ConclusionsThe significant control of serum lipids levels in the AVSAE treated diabetic rats may be directly attributed to improvement in glycemic control upon AVSAE therapy. Hence, these findings demonstrate that Amaranthus viridis has the potential to treat diabetes mellitus and complications owing to its antidiabetic and antihyperlipidaemic effect.     

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 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 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.     

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.     

Hypoglycemic effect of Octomeles sumatrana aqueous extract in streptozotocin–induced diabetic rats and its molecular mechanisms

ObjectiveTo investigate the hypoglycemic effect of the aqueous extract of Octomeles sumatrana (O. sumatrana) (OS) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (STZ) and its molecular mechanisms.MethodsDiabetes was induced by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg) in to male Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were divided into six different groups; normal control rats were not induced with STZ and served as reference, STZ diabetic control rats were given normal saline. Three groups were treated with OS aqueous extract at 0.2, 0.3 and 0.5 g/kg, orally twice daily continuously for 21 d. The fifth group was treated with glibenclamide (6 mg/kg) in aqueous solution orally continuously for 21 d. After completion of the treatment period, biochemical parameters and expression levels of glucose transporter 2 (Slc2a2), glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PCK1) were determined in liver by quantitative real time PCR.ResultsAdministration of OS at different doses to STZ induced diabetic rats, resulted in significant decrease (P<0.05) in blood glucose level in a dose dependent manner by 36%, 48%, and 64% at doses of 0.2, 0.3 and 0.5 g/kg, respectively, in comparison to the STZ control values. Treatment with OS elicited an increase in the expression level of Slc2a2 gene but reduced the expression of G6Pase and PCK1 genes. Morefore, OS treated rats, showed significantly lower levels of serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and urea levels compared to STZ untreated rats. The extract at different doses elicited signs of recovery in body weight gain when compared to STZ diabetic controls although food and water consumption were significantly lower in treated groups compared to STZ diabetic control group.ConclusionsO. sumatrana aqueous extract is beneficial for improvement of hyperglycemia by increasing gene expression of liver Slc2a2 and reducing expression of G6Pase and PCK1 genes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.     

Nephroprotective effect of Croton zambesicus root extract against gentimicin-induced kidney injury

ObjectiveTo evaluate the kidney protective effect of ethanolic root extract of Croton zambesicus (C. zambesicus) against gentimicin-induced kidney injury in rats.MethodsThe root extract (27-81 mg/kg) was administered to rats for eight days with concurrent administration of gentimicin (100 mg/kg) daily for the same period of time. Protective effect of the extract was evaluated in serum levels of creatinine, urea, and uric acid as well as some ions like sodium, potassium and chloride. Histological examination of the kidneys from different treatment groups were also carried out.ResultsAdministration of the root extract significantly reduced histopathological changes in the kidneys of the extract-treated rats especially in the rats treated with lower doses of the extract (27 and 54 mg/kg). The levels of serum urea and creatinine were also reduced significantly (P<0.01) at these doses with no observable effect on the levels of uric acid and ions.ConclusionsThe kidney – protective activity of this extract could be due to its antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities.     

Protective effect of Luffa acutangula extracts on gastric ulceration in NIDDM rats: role of gastric mucosal glycoproteins and antioxidants

ObjectiveTo study the comparative gastroprotective effect of Luffa acutangula methanolic extract (LAM) and aqueous extract (LAW) on type II diabetes rats.MethodsStreptozotocin (65 mg/kg, i.p.) along with nicotinamide (120 mg/kg, i.p.) was used to induce non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) in rats. A daily oral dose of aspirin (200 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered for initial seven days to induce gastric ulcerations in the diabetic rats. LAM and LAW were administered orally in the doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg once daily for 21 days. Glibenclamide and ranitidine were used as standards for comparing the antidiabetic and antiulcer effect respectively.ResultsLAM significantly (P<0.01) increased mucosal glycoprotein and antioxidant enzyme level in gastric mucosa of diabetic rats than LAW (P <0.05). LAM was efficient in reversing the delayed healing of gastric ulcer in diabetic rats close to the normal level. LAM exhibited better ulcer healing effect than glibenclamide and LAW, because of its both antihyperglycemic and mucosal defensive actions.ConclusionsThus, LAM is proved to be a better alternative for treating gastric ulcers co-occurring with diabetes.     

Studies on the hypoglycemic effects of Murraya paniculata Linn. extract on alloxan-induced oxidative stress in diabetic and non-diabetic models

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of extract of Murraya paniculata Linn. (Family – Rutaceae) on blood glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride and lipid level and antioxidant status in alloxan induced diabetic and non-diabetic rats.MethodsHydro-alcoholic extract of M. paniculata leaves (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) was administered orally for 14 days and its effect on blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides and lipid level were estimated in serum. Liver free radical (lipid peroxidation, LPO) and antioxidant (Super oxide dismutase, SOD; catalase, CAT; and reduced glutathione peroxidase, GPx) were also measured after 14 days treatment with extract. Glucose level in non-diabetic rats was estimated after 21 days treatment with M. paniculata extract.ResultsOral administrations of M. paniculata extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) for 14 days significantly reduced the levels of blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride and lipid level. Liver free radical (LPO) significantly reduced and antioxidants (SOD, CAT and GPx) status significantly increase after 14 days treatment of extract in diabetic rats. M. paniculata 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly decrease glucose level in non-diabetic rats after 21 day and caused hypoglycemia in normal rats.ConclusionsM. paniculata leaves extract posses hypoglycemic effect in oxidative stress condition and also in non-diabetic condition. Hypoglycemic action may be by potentiating of the insulin effect by increasing either the pancreatic secretion of insulin from beta cells of islets of langerhans or its release from the bound form. M. paniculata could be a potential source of hypoglycemic agent with antioxidant properties.     

The antidiabetic effect of Geigeria alata is mediated by enhanced insulin secretion, modulation of β-cell function, and improvement of antioxidant activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

In Sudanese folk medicine, Geigeria alata roots have been used for the management of diabetes for a long time. However, its antidiabetic activity is unreported. In this study, G. alata methanolic extract was tested for its antidiabetic, antioxidant, and β-cell modulatory effects in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. In this model of diabetic rats, the oral glucose tolerance test with G. alata extract at 125, 250, and 500?mg/kg doses revealed the efficacy of the 250?mg/kg dose in improving glucose tolerance comparable to the standard drug glibenclamide. Diabetic rats were treated with a 250?mg/kg dose of G. alata extract orally for 2?h (acute) or 14 days (chronic). In the case of acute treatment, the extract lowered blood glucose levels significantly at 120?min both in nondiabetic and diabetic rats. Chronic treatment of diabetic rats with 250?mg/kg of G. alata extract resulted in a significant decrease in blood glucose level closer to that of nondiabetic rats. Interestingly, increased serum insulin, improved β-cell function, and antioxidant status were observed in G. alata-treated diabetic rats. G. alata also showed strong antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities in in vitro assays. These data show direct evidence that G. alata has antidiabetic activity and suggest that the antidiabetic activity is due to enhanced insulin secretion, modulation of β-cell function, and improvement of antioxidant status.     

Antihyperglycemic activity, antihyperlipedemic activity, haematological effects and histopathological analysis of Sapindus mukorossi Gaerten fruits in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic properties of hydroalcoholic extract of fruits of Sapindus mukorossi Gaerten and its beneficial effect on haematological parameters with histopathological analysis in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.MethodsSapindus mukorossi fruits extract (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight) and standard drug glybenclamide (0.5 mg/kg body weight) were administered to diabetic rats. Effect of extract on hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and hematological parameters was studied in diabetic rats. Histopathological changes in diabetic rat pancreas were also observed after extract and glybenclamide treatment.ResultsDaily oral administration of Sapindus mukorossi fruits extract (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight) and glybenclamide for 20 days showed beneficial effects on blood glucose level (P<0.01) and lipid level. The extract has a favorable effect on the histopathological changes of the pancreas in streptozotocin induced diabetes.ConclusionThese findings reveal that the hydroalcoholic extract of Sapindus mukorossi fruits extract possesses antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic properties. In addition, the extract can prevent various complications of diabetes and improve some haematological parameters.     

Antidiabetic activity of the mangrove species Ceriops decandra in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Background: Diabetes is a series of disorders characterized by increased fasting and postprandial glucose concentration and insulin deficiency and/or decreased insulin action. Although there are a number of commercially available drugs for the treatment of diabetes, their long‐term use may cause unwanted side effects. Consequently, many studies are underway to find natural remedies that can effectively reduce the intensity of diabetes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of the mangrove species Ceriops decandra. Methods: The effects of daily oral administration of an ethanolic extract from the leaves of C. decandra (30, 60, 120 mg/kg) for 30 days on blood glucose, hemoglobin (Hb), HbA1c, liver glycogen and some carbohydrate metabolic enzymes were evaluated in normal and alloxan‐induced diabetic rats. The effects of these extracts were compared with the effect of 30‐days treatment with 0.1 mg/kg, p.o., glibenclamide, a commercially available drug commonly used in the treatment of diabetes. Results: Oral administration of 120 mg/kg extract modulated all the parameters evaluated to levels seen in control rats. The effects of 120 mg/kg extract were comparable to those of glibenclamide. Conclusion: The extract of the mangrove plant C. decandra exhibited promising antidiabetic activity and could be considered for further evaluation in clinical studies and drug development.     

Evaluation of antidiabetic and related actions of some Indian medicinal plants in diabetic rats

ObjectiveTo evaluate antidiabetic activity of chloroform extracts of Acacia arabica bark, Benincasa hispida fruit, Tinispora cordifolia stem, Ocimum sanctum areal parts and Jatropha curcus leaves.MethodsThe chloroform extracts of Acacia arabica bark, Benincasa hispida fruit, Tinospora cordifolia stem, aerial part of Ocimum sanctum and Jatropha curcus leaves were evaluated at different doses (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight.) for antidiabetic potentials in alloxan induced diabetic albino rats. The extracts were administered for two weeks in different groups whereas tolbutamide (80 mg/kg body weight) was used as reference standard throughout study.ResultsThe result of present study showed test compounds significantly decreases elevated level of serum glucose and also caused to reverse the cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL and LDL values when compared to untreated diabetic rats.ConclusionsOur finding indicates that different test extracts were able to ameliorate the derangements in lipid metabolism caused by diabetes mellitus in alloxan induced diabetic rats towards normal level.     

Evaluation of antiinflammatory activity of Tephrosia purpurea in rats

ObjectiveTo evaluate the antiinflammatory activity of orally administered ethanolic extract of Tephrosia purpurea in acute and subacute inflammation in rats.MethodsAn ethanolic extract of Tephrosia purpurea was prepared. Carrageenan induced paw edema and cotton pellet granuloma were the models for acute and subacute inflammation respectively. Four groups of rats in each model were treated orally with 2% gum acacia, 100 mg/kg of aspirin, 500 mg/kg and 1 000 mg/kg of ethanolic extract of Tephrosia purpurea respectively. In carrageenan induced paw edema model, subplantar injection of 1% carrageenan was made into the hind paw of the rats sixty minutes after the administration of the respective drugs. The paw volume was measured immediately after injection of carrageenan, at 3 hours and at 6 hours. Then percentage inhibition of edema was calculated. In the cotton pellet granuloma model, animals were administered drugs for six days after placing cotton pellets in the axilla on each side. On the 7th day, dry weight of granuloma was calculated.ResultsThe rats treated with Tephrosia purpurea did not exhibit any significant decrease in paw volume and serum ceruloplasmin levels as compared to the control and aspirin treated groups in the acute inflammation model; while, there was a significant (P < 0.01) decrease in the weight of granuloma in Tephrosia purpurea and aspirin treated groups as compared to control in subacute inflammation.ConclusionsThe ethanolic extract of orally administered Tephrosia purpurea shows significant antiinflammatory effect in subacute inflammation but not in acute inflammation in rats.     

Hypoglycemic activity of Hemidesmus indicus R. Br. on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the antidiabetic activity of an aqueous extract of the roots of Hemidesmus indicus on blood glucose, serum electrolytes, serum marker enzymes, liver microsomal P-450 enzymes, and lipid peroxidation in the liver and kidney of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Effect of H. indicus extract on blood glucose was studied with fed, fasted and glucose-loaded diabetic and nondiabetic rat models. The effect of the extract on serum electrolytes, serum levels of key glucose metabolizing enzymes, hepatic microsomal protein and hepatic cytochrome P-450-dependent mono-oxygenase enzyme systems and lipid peroxidation in the liver and kidney of diabetic rats. One way analysis of variance and Duncan''s multiple range test was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS:

Oral administration of H. indicus aqueous extract to fed, fasted and glucose-loaded diabetic rats decreased blood glucose level significantly at 5 h and restored serum electrolytes, glycolytic enzymes and hepatic cytochrome P-450-dependent enzyme systems by preventing the formation of liver and kidney lipid peroxides at the end of 12 weeks of the study period.

CONCLUSION:

From the studies, it can be concluded that the aqueous extract of the roots of H. indicus at a dosage of 500 mg/kg/day exhibits significant antidiabetic activity. It restores the concentrations of electrolytes, glucose metabolizing enzymes, hepatic microsomal protein and hepatic cytochrome P-450-dependent mono-oxygenase enzyme systems to near normal level and also corrects the related metabolic alterations in experimentally induced diabetic rats. H. indicus administration also decreased liver and kidney lipid peroxidation products. On the basis of our findings, H. indicus could be used as an antidiabetic and antioxidant agent for the prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus.     

Ulcer healing properties of different extracts of Origanum majorana in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetic rats

ObjectiveThe aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the ulcer healing properties of different extracts of Origannum majorana, viz., hydrodistilled volatile oil (OMO), methanolic (OMM) and aqueous extract (OMW) in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetic rats.MethodsAll the extracts were administered in different doses (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) to investigate the ulcer healing potential. Streptozotocin (STZ; 65 mg/kg, i.p.) along with nicotinamide (120 mg/kg, i.p.) was used to induce non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus in rats. Aspirin (200 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered for initial 7 d to induce gastric ulcerations in the diabetic rats. Various biochemical markers of blood and tissue origin were estimated to compare the ulcer healing potential of these extracts.ResultsThe OMO and OMM exhibited dose dependent significant (P<0.01) ulcer healing property than the OMW. Additionally, the antidiabetic property of OMO and OMM was better than OMW.ConclusionThe OMO and OMM of Origanum majorana leaves can prove to be beneficial in the concomitant treatment of gastric ulcers and diabetes.     

Protective effect of tannins from Ficus racemosa in hypercholesterolemia and diabetes induced vascular tissue damage in rats

ObjectiveTo evaluate the protective effect of tannins from Ficus racemosa (F. racemosa) on the lipid profile and antioxidant parameters in high fat meal and streptozotocin induced hypercholestremia associated diabetes model in rats.MethodsThe crude tannin fraction was separated from the acetone (70% v/v) bark extract of F. racemosa. Oral administration of tannin fraction (TF) (100 &; 200 mg/kg body weight) to rats fed with high fat meal for 30 days (4% cholesterol, 1% cholic acid, 0.5% egg albumin) and injected with streptozotocin (35 mg/kg i.p. in citrate buffer on 14th day).ResultsThe administration of TF significantly reverse the increased blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein and also significantly restored the insulin and high density lipoprotein in the serum. In addition tannins significantly restored the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and decreased the, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione, thereby restoring the antioxidant status of the organs to almost normal levels.ConclutionsThe results of this study show that two different doses of tannin supplementation had a favorable effect on plasma glucose and lipid profile concentrations. It also had an influence on attenuating oxidative stress in diabetic tats.