Biochemical Evaluation of Antidiabetogenic Properties of Some Commonly Used Indian Plants on Streptozotocin‐induced Diabetes in Experimental Rats

Abstract

1. Diabetes mellitus is a serious metabolic disorder with micro- and macrovascular complications that results in significant morbidity and mortality. 2. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hypoglycaemic efficacy of commonly used traditional Indian plants, such as Murraya koenigii, Mentha piperitae, Ocimum sanctum and Aegle marmelos, in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced experimental rats. 3. Oral administration of the ethanolic extract of these plants resulted in a significant decrease in the levels of blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin and urea, with a concomitant increase in glycogen, haemoglobin and protein, in diabetic rats. Treatment with these plant extracts also resulted in an increase in insulin and C-peptide levels and glucose tolerance. 4. The decreased activities of carbohydrate-metabolising enzymes, such as hexokinase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and glycogen synthase, in diabetic rats were significantly elevated towards near normal in rats treated with extracts of M. koenigii, O. sanctum and A. marmelos; the increased activities of lactate dehydrogenase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, glucose-6-phosphatase and glycogen phosphorylase in STZ diabetic rats were significantly reduced following treatment with the plant extracts. 5. Elevated specific binding of [(125)I]-labelled insulin to the receptor found in diabetic rats was markedly decreased in extract-treated groups. However, treatment of diabetic rats with M. piperitae did not result in any significant modification in all parameters. 6. Phytochemical screening conducted by us revealed the presence of biologically active ingredients in the ethanolic extracts of M. koenigii, O. sanctum and A. marmelos, which may readily account for the observed hypoglycaemic activity.

Changes in body weight, hematology and serum chemistry in captive plains viscachas (Lagostomus maximus) with presumptive diabetes type II after a diet change

“…to increase in diabetic specimens and decrease with antidiabetic treatment (Stanely et al, 2000;Narendhirakannan et al, 2006). In sum, it seems likely that even juvenile viscachas kept on the old diet were in the initial metabolic stages of T2DM.…”

Effect of guava (Psidium guajava Linn.) leaf soluble solids on glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetic rats

“…There are many studies pertaining to the effect of phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, on diabetes (Narendhirakannan et al, 2006). Phytochemical studies have identified more than 20 compounds in guava fruit extract (Begum et al, 2004).…”

In vitro glucose uptake by isolated rat hemi-diaphragm study of Aegle marmelos Correa root

“…However, search for new antidiabetic drugs continue. Although the leaves and fruits of A. marmelos were studied widely for their antidiabetic activity (Narendrakannan et al, 2006;Kesari et al, 2006), the reports on antidiabetic activity of roots are limited. The present study was aimed at investigating the antidiabetic effect of A. marmelos and identifying the active principles.…”