Hypoglycaemic effect of water extracts of Aegle marmelos fruits in streptozotocin diabetic rats

Aegle marmelos Corr. (Rutaceae) is widely used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The hypoglycaemic effect of the water extract of the fruits of Aegle marmelos was examined in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Oral administration of the water extract (125 and 250mgkg(-1)) twice a day for 4 weeks resulted in significant reductions in blood glucose, plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, hydroperoxides, ceruloplasmin and alpha-tocopherol and a significant elevation in plasma reduced glutathione and Vitamin C in diabetic rats. The effect of the extract at a dose of 250mgkg(-1) was more effective than glibenclamide in restoring the values of these parameters. The results of this study clearly shows the hypoglycaemic activity of the fruit extract.