Interaction study between Ocimum sanctum and Glimepiride(sulfonylurea derivative) in diabetic rats

The present study was intended to discover the interaction between Ocimum sanctum (O. sanctum) and Glimepiride, a sulfonylurea derivative used in the treatment of type-2 diabetes, in diabetic rats to suggest an alteration in the dose of Glimepiride in case of hypoglycaemia. LD₅₀ studies for the aqueous extract of O. sanctum leaf were carried out in albino mice up to the dose level of 2000 mg/kg. O. sanctum atlow, medium and high doses (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, per oral), respectively and Glimepiride ½ (half) therapeutic dose, therapeutic dose and 2 time therapeutic dose (0.036, 0.072 and 0.144 mg/200 g, per oral) were selected. After the treatment with O. sanctum and Glimepiride as single doses and in various combinations of these two drugs in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats serum glucose levels in all the groups were analysed by the glucose oxidase-peroxidasemethod. When administered alone as single doses both aqueous extract of O. sanctum leaf and Glimepiride produced a significant anti-diabetic effect in diabetic rats. The anti-diabetic effect observed with combination of aqueous extract of O. sanctum leaf and Glimepiride was significant and more when compared to either of the drugs given alone. There was a definite interaction that necessitates dose readjustment of Glimepiride and further glucose levels are to be frequently monitored to avoid complication of hypoglycemic condition with aqueous extract of O. sanctum leaf and Glimepiride combination.