Butanol fraction of Khaya senegalensis root modulates β-cell function and ameliorates diabetes-related biochemical parameters in a type 2 diabetes rat model

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Khaya senegalensis A. Juss (Meliaceae) is commonly exploited for the traditional treatment of diabetes mellitus in Nigeria and Togo. The present study was conducted to examine the anti-diabetic activity of Khaya senegalensis butanol fraction (KSBF) of root ethanolic extract in a type 2 diabetes (T2D) model of rats.

Materials and methods

T2D was induced in rats by feeding a 10% fructose solution ad libitum for two weeks followed by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg body weight) and the animals were treated with 150 and 300 mg/kg body weight (BW) of the fraction for five days in a week. Relevant diabetes-related parameters were analyzed in all experimental animals.

Results

The KSBF treatment, at 300 mg/kg BW, significantly (p<0.05) reduced blood glucose level, improved oral glucose tolerance ability and β-cell function (HOMA-β), decreased insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), stimulated hepatic glycogen synthesis, ameliorated serum lipids alterations and prevented hepatic and renal damages compared to untreated diabetic rats. Additionally, the fraction insignificantly (p>0.05) improved weight gain, decreased food and fluid intake, stimulated insulin secretion and lowered serum fructosamine concentrations compared to untreated diabetic rats.

Conclusions

Data from this study suggests that orally administered KSBF, at 300 mg/kg BW, possess remarkable anti-type 2 diabetic activity and could ameliorate some diabetes-associated complications and hence can be considered as a source of potential anti-type 2 diabetic medicine.     

Pharmacological characterization of different fractions of Calotropis procera (Asclepiadaceae) in streptozotocin induced experimental model of diabetic neuropathy

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Calotropis procera (Ait.) R.Br. is one of an ancient traditional shrub, which has been used for the treatment of diabetes, pain and inflammation for thousands of years in India. The root extract of Calotropis procera has been widely used by the tribal?s of district Udaipur, Rajasthan (India) for treatment of diabetes mellitus and its associated complications like diabetic neuropathy. The present study was performed to explore the protective effect of root, stem and leaf extracts of Calotropis procera in diabetes and diabetic neuropathy against tactile allodynia, mechanical hyperalgesia and thermal hyperalgesia in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

Materials and methods

Diabetes and peripheral neuropathy were induced in Wistar rats by injection of streptozotocin (45 mg/kg/intraperitoneally). The roots, stem and leaves of Calotropis procera were sequentially extracted with petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol. All the extracts were assessed by oral administration at 100 and 250 mg/kg in streptozotocin diabetic rats. The following compounds were used as positive controls: insulin NPH (1 IU/kg/day), metformin (500 mg/kg/day), glibenclamide (2.5 mg/kg/day) and a combination of acarbose (20 mg/kg/day) with methylcobalamine (500 µg/kg/day). In contrast, the streptozotocin induced untreated diabetic rats termed as negative control. Thermal hyperalgesia, mechanical hyperalgesia and tactile allodynia were evaluated in all groups of streptozotocin diabetic rats to assess the extent of neuropathy by Eddy?s hot plate, tail immersion, Randall–Selitto and Von Frey hair tests. The basal nociceptive thresholds were assessed in week 4 of post streptozotocin injection. All groups received their treatment on a regular basis from 28 to 42 days following a confirmation of diabetic neuropathy. The nociceptive thresholds were assessed in all groups in week 5 and 6. The histopathology of pancreas and biochemical estimations of plasma insulin and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA₁C%) levels were also performed in week 6 of post streptozotocin injection.

Results

The negative control rats developed diabetes and diabetic neuropathy after 6 week of streptozotocin administration distinguished by significant (p<0.01) hyperalgesia and tactile allodynia with enhanced HbA₁C% level compared to normoglycemic rats. Chronic administration of root methanol, stem methanol and leaf ethyl-acetate extracts of Calotropis procera for 2 weeks at 100 and 250 mg/kg doses significantly (p<0.01) attenuated the diabetes induced mechanical hyperalgesia, thermal hyperalgesia, tactile allodynia and HbA₁C% level in streptozotocin diabetic rats as compared to negative control rats. Further, the root methanol extract of Calotropis procera in 100 mg/kg dose showed the regeneration capability of β cells in the histology of pancreas with significant (p<0.01) improvement in plasma insulin level in streptozotocin diabetic rats compared to negative control rats.

Conclusion

Root methanol extract of Calotropis procera (100 mg/kg) has shown ameliorative effect in diabetic neuropathy which may be attributed by its multiple actions including potent hypoglycemic and antioxidant.     

Studies on the hypoglycaemic activity of Punica granatum seed in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

The hypoglycaemic activity of Punica granatum Linn. (Family Punicaceae) seed extract on rats made diabetic by streptozotocin (STZ) was investigated. The methanol extract of the seed at doses of 300 and 600 mg/kg, and chlorpropamide 200 mg/kg was administered to STZ diabetic rats. The seed extract (150, 300 and 600 mg/kg, orally) caused a significant reduction of blood glucose levels in STZ induced diabetic rats by 47% and 52%, respectively, at the end of 12 h.     

Antihyperglycemic effects of total flavonoids from Polygonatum odoratum in STZ and alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Aim of the study

Total flavonids of Polygonatum(P) odoratum (TFP) were tested for anti-diabetic activity in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice and alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Materials and methods

Rhizoma Polygonati Odorati, well-known Chinese traditional medicine, is widely used for treatment of diverse diseases for example diabetes. In our study, TFP was extracted by 70% ethanol and purified by macroreticular resin. The experiments were designed to detect the anti-diabetic activity of TFP by determination of blood glucose (BG) using one touch gluco-meter and insulin levels by using a radioimmunoassay kit in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice and alloxan-induced diabetic rats and alpha-amylase inhibitory activity by alpha-amylase inhibition assay in vitro.

Results

TFP had beneficial effects on regulation of blood glucose. Daily administration with 50–200 mg/kg body weight of TFP for 9 days can reduce significantly hyperglycemia in STZ-induced diabetic mice. Thirtieth day administration with TFP (50–200 mg/kg body weight) also decreased significantly fasting blood glucose in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The hypoglycemic effect of TFP at 50 and 100 mg/kg is less than that of acarbose 20 mg/kg and gliclazide 15 mg/kg. The hypoglycemic effects of TFP at 200 mg/kg is similar to that of acarbose 20 mg/kg and gliclazide 15 mg/kg. TFP also could increase significantly the insulin level in alloxan-induced type 2 diabetic rats (P < 0.05) compared with control. Alpha-amylase inhibition assay in vitro showed that TFP inhibited significantly alpha-amylase activity in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusions

TFP possess significant dose-dependent anti-diabetic activity. TFP is one of the primary hypoglycemic active compounds of Polygonatum odoratum which would worth further study and development.     

Antidiabetic activity of Vatairea macrocarpa extract in rats

In the present paper the anti-diabetic effects of stem-bark extract (ethanol 70%) of Vatairea macrocarpa, a traditional diabetes mellitus treatment widely used in Brazil, are reported. The extract was administered orally at a dose of 250 or 500 mg/kg, for 22 days, to normal and streptozotocin-diabetic rats. In extract treated (500 mg/kg) diabetic rats serum and urinary glucose, urinary urea, food and fluid intake were decreased, while body weight gain was increased, all of which indicate an improvement in diabetic state (p<0.05). No effects of the extract were observed in non-diabetic rats. In extract treated (500 mg/kg) diabetic group HOMA-R (homeostasis model for assessment of insulin resistance) was lower at the end of 22 days, as compared to diabetic non treated control group. Insulin was the reference substance used in the experiments. In an oral glucose tolerance test, the time to reach maximal glycemia was greater in diabetic 500 mg/kg treated group than in control group. These anti-diabetic effects could be related to an improved insulin resistance, although a possible effect on pancreatic B-cell function cannot be excluded. Thus, our data of sub-chronic experiments suggest that long-term use of V. macrocarpa stem-bark extract may be helpful in treating diabetic conditions.     

葛根素对糖尿病大鼠胰岛素、血糖及血液流变学的影响

目的:观察葛根素对糖尿病性大鼠胰岛素、血糖及血液流变学的影响。方法:采用链脲佐菌素联合完全弗氏佐剂诱导糖尿病大鼠,将造模成功大鼠随机分为模型对照组,二甲双胍250mg/kg组,葛根素高剂量组(300mg/kg)、中剂量组(150mg/kg)和低剂量组(75mg/kg),各组连续灌胃给药60d,于给药后15 d、35 d、60 d,检测胰岛素和血糖,末次给药后检测糖化血红蛋白、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、丙二醛(MDA)及血液流变学指标。结果:与模型组相比,葛根素75、150及300mg/kg剂量组均能明显降低糖尿病大鼠的胰岛素、血糖和糖化血红蛋白的含量(P<0.01),显著升高糖尿病大鼠的SOD、降低MDA(P<0.05)。结论:葛根素能提高大鼠的抗氧化能力,改善大鼠的血液流变性。     

Anti-diabetic activity of medicinal plants and its relationship with their antioxidant property

Methanolic extract (75%) of Terminalia chebula, Terminalia belerica, Emblica officinalis and their combination named 'Triphala' (equal proportion of above three plant extracts) are being used extensively in Indian system of medicine. They were found to inhibit lipid peroxide formation and to scavenge hydroxyl and superoxide radicals in vitro. The concentration of plant extracts that inhibited 50% of lipid peroxidation induced with Fe(2+)/ascorbate were food to be 85.5, 27, 74 and 69 micro g/ml, respectively. The concentration needed for the inhibition of hydoxyl radical scavenging were 165, 71, 155.5 and 151 micro g/ml, and that for superoxide scavenging activity were found to be 20.5, 40.5, 6.5 and 12.5 micro g/ml, respectively. Oral administration of the extracts (100 mg/kg body weight) reduced the blood sugar level in normal and in alloxan (120 mg/kg) diabetic rats significantly within 4 h. Continued, daily administration of the drug produced a sustained effect.     

Evaluation of the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties of Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst. stem-bark aqueous extract in mice and rats

In order to appraise some of the ethnomedical uses of Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst., subspecies caffra (Sond.) Kokwaro [family: Anacardiaceae], the present study was undertaken to investigate the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties of the plant's stem-bark aqueous extract in experimental models of pain, inflammation and diabetes mellitus. The analgesic effect of Sclerocarya birrea stem-bark aqueous extract was evaluated in mice, while its anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic effects were investigated in rats. Diclofenac (DIC, 100 mg/kg p. o.) and chlorpropamide (250 mg/kg p. o.) were used respectively as reference analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic agents for comparison. Like diclofenac (DIC, 100 mg/kg p. o.), Sclerocarya birrea stem-bark aqueous extract (SBE, 100-800 mg/kg p. o.) produced dose-dependent, significant protection (p < 0.05-0.001) against electrical heat-induced pain. The plant extract (SBE, 25-800 mg/kg p. o.) also produced dose- and time-related, sustained and significant reductions (p < 0.05-0.001) in the fresh egg albumin-induced acute inflammation of the rat hind paw oedema. However, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the plant's extract were found to be approximately 10-15 times less than that of diclofenac. In one set of experiments involving hypoglycaemic/antidiabetic evaluation of the plant's extract, graded doses of Sclerocarya birrea stem-bark aqueous extract (SBE, 25-800 mg/kg p. o.) were separately administered to groups of fasted normal and fasted diabetic rats. In another set of experiments, a single dose of the plant's aqueous extract (SBE, 800 mg/kg p. o.) was used. The hypoglycaemic effect of this single dose of Sclerocarya birrea stem-bark aqueous extract (SBE, 800 mg/kg p. o.) was compared with that of chlorpropamide (250 mg/kg p. o.) in both fasted normal and fasted streptozotocin (STZ)-treated diabetic rats. Following acute treatment, relatively moderate to high doses of Sclerocarya birrea stem-bark aqueous extract (SBE, 25-800 mg/kg p. o.) produced dose-dependent, significant reductions (p < 0.05-0.001) in the blood glucose concentrations of both fasted normal and fasted diabetic rats. Chlorpropamide (250 mg/kg p. o.) also produced significant reductions (p < 0.05-0.001) in the blood glucose concentrations of the fasted normal and fasted diabetic rats. Administration of the single dose of Sclerocarya birrea stem-bark aqueous extract (SBE, 800 mg/kg p. o.) significantly reduced (p < 0.01-0.001) the blood glucose levels of both fasted normal (normoglycaemic) and fasted STZ-treated, diabetic rats. The results of this experimental animal study indicate that Sclerocarya birrea stem-bark aqueous extract possesses analgesic, anti-inflammatory and hypoglycaemic properties. These experimental findings lend pharmacological support to the suggested folkloric uses of the plant's stem-bark in the management and/or control of pain, inflammatory conditions, and adult-onset, type-2 diabetes mellitus in some communities of South Africa.     

Effect of Sclerocarya birrea (Anacardiaceae) stem bark methylene chloride/methanol extract on streptozotocin-diabetic rats

Sclerocarya birrea (Anacardiaceae) is used as a traditional treatment of diabetes in Cameroon. In this study, we investigated the possible antidiabetic effect of the stem bark extract in diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by intravenous injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 55 mg/kg) to male Wistar rats. Experimental animals (six per group), were treated by oral administration of plant extract (150 and 300 mg/kg body weight) and metformin (500 mg/kg; reference drug) for comparison, during 21 days. The stem bark methanol/methylene chloride extract of Sclerocarya birrea exhibited at termination, a significant reduction in blood glucose and increased plasma insulin levels in diabetic rats. The extract also prevented body weight loss in diabetic rats. The effective dose of the plant extract (300 mg/kg) tended to reduce plasma cholesterol, triglyceride and urea levels toward the normal levels. Four days after diabetes induction, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was also performed in experimental diabetic rats. The results showed a significant improvement in glucose tolerance in rats treated with Sclerocarya birrea extract. Metformin, a known antidiabetic drug (500 mg/kg), significantly decreased the integrated area under the glucose curve. These data indicate that Sclerocarya birrea treatment may improve glucose homeostasis in STZ-induced diabetes which could be associated with stimulation of insulin secretion.     

刺玫果不同提取物药效学实验研究

目的：刺玫果不同提取物对实验性Ⅱ型糖尿病大鼠模型影响的初步研究。方法：用高脂饲料喂养联合腹腔内一次性注射小剂量链脲佐菌素（STZ）30mg/kg的方法,造成Ⅱ型糖尿病大鼠模型,灌胃给药比较不同样品作用效果,动态观察其给药后的体重、摄食量、饮水量,检测给药后大鼠总胆固醇、甘油三酯、高密度脂蛋白、低密度脂蛋白、凝血因子二项（凝血活酶时间、纤维蛋白原）的变化。结果：刺玫果乙酸乙酯提取物9g药材/kg剂量可以明显降低Ⅱ型糖尿病大鼠模型的CHO、LDLC值含量;刺玫果正丁醇提取物9g药材/kg剂量、刺玫果乙酸乙酯提取物9g药材/kg剂量均能明显降低HDLC值含量,刺玫果乙酸乙酯提取物9g药材/kg剂量、刺玫果水提物9g药材/kg剂量均可以降低Ⅱ型糖尿病大鼠模型的凝血因子FIB;刺玫果水提物9g药材/kg剂量的凝血因子INR明显升高。结论：刺玫果不同提取物对Ⅱ型糖尿病大鼠模型有降低血脂的作用,提示其对Ⅱ型糖尿病血脂的升高有明显的治疗作用。     

Anti-diabetic effect on alloxanized and normoglycemic rats and some pharmacological evaluations of Tournefortia hartwegiana

The purpose of the present investigation was to assess the pharmacological properties of Tournefortia hartwegiana Steud (Boraginaceae), used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes, diarrhea and kidney pain in Morelos, Mexico. Administration of methanol extract from aerial parts of Tournefortia hartwegiana (310 mg/kg body weight/day) for 10 days, to normoglycemic and alloxan-induced diabetic rats, significantly lowered their blood glucose levels (37 and 36%, respectively, p<0.05). The anti-diabetic and hypoglycemic activities due to the MeOH extract were similar to those produced by metformin at 120 mg/kg (positive control, p<0.05). In contrast, the hexane, dichloromethane and MeOH extracts from the same species showed no significant spasmolytic effect and did not have activity in antibacterial and Artemia salina toxicity bioassays.     

Tanshinone inhibits intimal hyperplasia in the ligated carotid artery in mice

The hypoglycemic effects of water, ethanolic and butanolic extracts prepared from the root of Malmea depressa (Baill) R.E. Fries. (Annonaceae) were studied in diabetic rats (streptozotocin induced). Oral application of water extracts at doses of 40 and 80 mg/kg, ethanolic (112 mg/kg) and butanolic (80 mg/kg) extracts significantly lowered the plasma glucose levels in diabetic rats within three hours. Glibenclamide and metformin were used as references and showed similar hypoglycemic effects like the extracts. The three extracts have a similar chemical composition (HPLC analysis).     

Hypoglycemic effect of Acosmium panamense bark on streptozotocin diabetic rats

The hypoglycemic effects of water and butanolic extracts prepared from the bark of Acosmium panamense (Fabaceae) were studied in diabetic rats (streptozotocin (STZ)-induced). Oral application of water extracts at doses of 20 and 200 mg/kg and of butanol extracts at doses of 20 and 100 mg/kg significantly lowered the plasma glucose levels in diabetic rats within 3 h. Glibenclamide was used as reference and showed similar hypoglycemic effect like the extracts.

Three structurally new compounds were isolated from the plant and shown to be the main constituents in both extracts.     

Hypoglycemic effect of Tournefortia hirsutissima L., on n-streptozotocin diabetic rats

The hypoglycemic effect of aqueous and butanolic extracts from Tournefortia hirsutissima (Boraginaceae) was determined on neonatal induced streptozotocin diabetic rats (n-STZ). Oral administration of water extracts at doses of 20 and 80mg/kg, and butanolic extracts (8 and 80mg/kg) significantly lowered the plasma glucose levels in diabetic rats within 3h. Glibenclamide was used as reference and showed similar hypoglycemic effect. Our results support the traditional use of the plant as a hypoglycemic agent; we observe a dose-dependent action of the extracts. HPLC analysis confirmed that the aqueous and butanolic extracts had the same chemical composition.     

Anti-diabetes and hypoglycaemic properties of Hemionitis arifolia (Burm.) Moore in rats

Hemionitis arifolia, a folklore anti-diabetes fern, was evaluated for its hypoglycaemic and anti-diabetic properties using rats. Glucose lowering effect and anti-diabetes activity were studied using glucose tolerance test in normal rats and alloxan diabetic rats, respectively. When different extracts were tested, the ethanol and, to some extent, the water extracts were found to lower the levels of blood glucose in glucose fed rats. The ethanol extract showed optimum activity at 200 mg/kg. The extract exhibited only marginal hypoglycaemic activity in overnight fasted normal rats and it was devoid of conspicuous toxic symptoms in sub-acute toxicity evaluation in mice. When the alcohol extract was fractionated by sequential solvent extraction, the activity was found in ethyl acetate fraction (50 mg/kg). This fraction containing steroids and coumarins showed anti-diabetes activity in alloxan diabetic rats as judged from serum glucose levels, liver glycogen content and body weight. This fraction is an attractive material for further research vis-à-vis drug development.     

Hypoglycaemic effects of Mammea africana (Guttiferae) in diabetic rats

Aim of the study

The stem bark of Mammea africana Sabine (Guttiferae) is used in African rain forest to treat various diseases, including diabetes mellitus. We investigated whether Mammea africana extract induced hypoglycaemic activity in rats.

Materials and methods

We tested the effects of acute (5 h) and sub-acute (21 days) oral administrations of the CH₂Cl₂–MeOH stem bark extract of Mammea africana (19–300 mg/kg body weight) on blood glucose levels of normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic rats. The effects were compared with those of glibenclamide.

Results

Acute administration reduced blood glucose in the diabetic rats only (33.87%, P < 0.01). Sub-acute treatment for 21 days also reduced blood glucose level in diabetic rats (73.29%, P < 0.01). A reduction or stabilization in total serum protein, triglyceride, cholesterol and alanine amino transferase levels was also observed. No effect was observed on body weight loss but food and water intakes were significantly reduced (P < 0.01) in diabetic rats. The maximal anti-diabetic effect was obtained with the dose of 75 mg/kg and was more important than that of glibenclamide.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that extracts of Mammea africana exhibited a significant anti-hyperglycaemic activity and improved the metabolic alterations in STZ-diabetic rats. These results provide a rationale for the use of Mammea africana to treat diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia.     

Hypoglycemic effect of Cecropia obtusifolia on streptozotocin diabetic rats.

The hypoglycemic effects of water and butanolic extracts prepared from leaves of Cecropia obtusifolia (Cecropiaceae) were examined in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. A single oral administration of a water extract at doses of 90 and 150 mg/kg and of a butanol extract at doses of 9 and 15 mg/kg significantly (P<0.05) lowered the plasma glucose levels in diabetic rats after 3 h administration. Glibenclamide was used as reference and showed similar hypoglycemic effect to the tested extracts at a dose of 3 mg/kg. The flavone, isoorientin and 3-caffeoylquinic acid (chlorogenic acid), were isolated as the important constituents of the plant and were identified as the main constituents in both extracts, too.     

Hypoglycemic effect of Equisetum myriochaetum aerial parts on streptozotocin diabetic rats

The hypoglycemic effect of water as well as butanolic extracts prepared from aerial parts of Equisetum myriochaetum (Equisetaceae) was examined in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. A single oral administration of the water extract (WE) at doses of 7 and 13 mg/kg and of the butanol extract (BE) at doses of 8 and 16 mg/kg significantly (P<0.001) lowered the plasma glucose levels in diabetic rats after three hours of the administration. As a reference drug glibenclamide was used and showed, at a dose of 3 mg/kg, similar hypoglycemic effect like the tested extracts. Three kaempferol glucosides and one caffeoyl glucoside were isolated from the drug and were shown to be the main constituents in both extracts.     

Hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic effect of Begonia malabarica Lam. in normal and streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Aim of the study

The stem of Begonia malabarica was used traditionally by the Malasar tribe to treat diabetes. To validate the hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic effects of the hexane, ethylacetate and methanol extracts obtained from an ethnomedicinal plant, Begonia malabarica.

Materials and methods

The doses for the study were fixed based on Irwin test. The hypoglycemic effect of hexane, ethylacetate and methanol extracts of Begonia malabarica stems were studied in normal animals. The antihyperglycemic effect of the methanol extract was studied in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

Results

In normal rats the treatment with the methanol extract of Begonia malabarica had shown a highly significant reduction (16.54 and 34.47%) in plasma glucose levels from the 0 h values at the dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg respectively. In streptozotocin induced diabetic rats the body weight of the Begonia malabarica methanol extract treated animals had shown a significant increase (13.38% at 200 mg/kg) after 4 weeks treatment. The plasma glucose levels were reduced significantly by 46.57 and 50.20% after 4 weeks treatment at 100 and 200 mg/kg respectively. Likewise the absolute kidney weight was also reduced in a significant manner. After 25 days treatment the Begonia malabarica methanol extract treated animals had shown low fasting plasma glucose levels (54.29, 61.34% in 100 and 200 mg/kg) and reduced postprandial plasma glucose levels (54.23, 65.96% in 100 and 200 mg/kg) when compared with diabetic control values. Serum insulin levels and liver glycogen levels were increased to 40.04 and 42.18% in 200 mg/kg Begonia malabarica methanol extract treated animals respectively. The treatment with Begonia malabarica methanol extract did not change the triglycerides and total cholesterol levels. The urea and creatinine levels were also reduced significantly by this treatment. The reduction in SGPT levels indicated the absence of toxicity of Begonia malabarica extract at this dose level.

Conclusion

This study supports the use of Begonia malabarica by the Malasar tribe for the treatment of diabetes. Fractionation of this extract may yield novel prototypes to manage diabetes mellitus.     

Protective effect of diosmin against diabetic neuropathy in experimental rats

OBJECTIVE:The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of diosmin in diabetic neuropathy in type 2 diabetic rats.METHODS:Type 2 diabetes was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin(35 mg/kg) and high-fat diet.Four weeks after the confirmation of diabetes,diabetic rats were treated with diosmin(50 and 100 mg/kg,p.o.) for next 4 weeks.Rats were evaluated for biochemical,behavioral and oxidative stress parameters.Eddy's hot plate and tail immersion test were performed on 6th,7th,8th,9th and 10th weeks of experiment to assess thermal hyperalgesia and cold allodynia respectively.Further,the walking function test was performed for assessing the motor responses at the end of the treatment schedule.RESULTS:Rats were fed with high-fat diet throughout the experiment schedule and administration of low-dose streptozotocin induced significant elevation in blood glucose level and insulin resistance which was confirmed by oral glucose tolerance test.Treatment with diosmin at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg significantly restored the reduced body weight,elevated blood sugar and lipid profiles.Further the dose-dependent improvement was observed in thermal hyperalgesia,cold allodynia and walking function in diabetic rats treated with diosmin.Elevated levels of malondialdehyde,and nitric oxide and decreased glutathione levels and superoxide dismutase activity in diabetic rats were restored significantly after the 4 weeks of diosmin treatment.CONCLUSION:Diosmin has shown beneficial effect in preventing the progression of early diabetic neuropathy in rats.