Anti-diabetic potential of Aconitum ferox roots

Abstract

IntroductionAconitum ferox (A. ferox) is a traditional Chinese plant and recommended by the Chinese medicinal system as an anti-diabetic. According to the Chinese medicinal system, the tubers and roots of A. ferox (Family- Ranunculaceae) are commonly applied for various diseases, such as collapse, syncope, rheumatic fever, painful joints, gastroenteritis, diarrhea, diabetes, edema, bronchial asthma, various tumors, and some endocrinal problems. Till now there is no scientific studies have been published, therefore this plant has been chosen to investigate its anti-diabetic activity. Methods & methodologyWistar rats weighing 150–200 g of either sex were used in the study. Diabetes was induced by alloxan. Diabetes was confirmed after 48 h of a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (120 mg/kg) in Wistar rats. Extract of A. ferox (10 and 20 mg/kg) and Glimepiride (175 mg/kg, p.o) orally administered daily for 15 days. On the 15th day body weight was determined and blood was collected to the determine the biochemical parameters like blood glucose level, high-density lipoproteins (HDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC) etc. ResultsThe results showed that extract of A. ferox at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg showed a significant reduction in blood glucose, lipid profile and a significant improvement in body weight when compared to the diabetic control group due to the presence of various primary and secondary metabolites. ConclusionThese results suggest that the root extract of A. ferox possesses an antidiabetic effect on alloxan-induced diabetic rats and this justifies its use in traditional medicine and can be exploited in the management of diabetes but further research must be needed,