Problem statement: Cucurbita maxima has been used traditionally in Mexico, China and India as antidiabetic agents. Approach: The present study was to evaluate the hypoglycemic activity of fruit juice and hydro-alcoholic extract of Cucurbita maxima for validation of its folkloric use. Results: Hypoglycemic activity was evaluated on streptozotocin induced diabetic rats at the doses of 100 and 200 mg kg −1 for 28 days. Blood glucose level was evaluated on 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. Oral daily administration of both fruit juice and extract led to significant decrease in hyperglycemia as compared to unfed diabetic control. High dose of both the treatment is more effective than low dose. Extract show more hypoglycemic effect than fruit juice. Conclusion/Recommendations: The result of this study scientifically proved the folkloric use of Cucurbita maxima as hypoglycemic agent. Thus the plant can be key contributor in alternative remedy in the treatment of diabetes.
Problem statement:Interaction between herbs and drugs may increase or decrease the pharmacological or toxicological effects of either component. Herb traditionally used to decrease glucose concentrations in diabetes could theoretically precipitate hypoglycaemia if taken in combination with conventional drugs. Approach: The present study was undertaken to determine the interaction of Glibenclamide, a Sulphonylurea with Trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract, an herbal drug widely used as a antidiabetic agent. The pharmacodynamic interaction was evaluated in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Glibenclamide was given orally in two different doses of 0.25 and 0.50 mg kg −1 . Trigonella seed extract was administered at a dose of 20 mL kg −1 . The blood glucose estimation was carried out. Results: Both glibenclamide and Trigonella seed extract showed hypoglycemic effect. The hypoglycemic effect observed with combination of glibenclamide and Trigonella seed extract was significantly more than either of drug given alone. Conclusion: It is concluded that Trigonella seed extract shows synergistic effect with glibenclamide. This could be important in reducing the dose of glibenclamide to achieve enhanced therapeutic effect with minimum adverse effect.
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