Antidiabetic activity of Pandanus fascicularis Lamk - aerial roots in alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats

Abstract

Background: The aerial roots of Pandanus fascicularis are used traditionally in treatment of diabetes. Objective: This study evaluated the antidiabetic activity of methanolic extract of aerial roots of P . fascicularis . Materials and Methods: Effect of methanolic extract of roots of P . fascicularis on normal blood glucose levels and oral glucose tolerance test were studied in normoglycemic rats while antidiabetic effect was evaluated in alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats. The extract (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg) was administered orally for 7 days. Glibenclamide (3 mg/kg, orally for 7 days) was used as reference standard. Results: Administration of the methanolic extract of aerial roots of P . fascicularis caused significant dose-dependent reduction in serum glucose in both normoglycemic and hyperglycemic rats and also improved glucose tolerance test. The treatment also showed the enhanced beta cell function in histological studies. Conclusion: Therefore, this study suggests that methanolic extract of aerial roots of P . fascicularis exhibits antidiabetic activity possibly through increased secretion of insulin and the effect may be due to the presence of flavonoids and phenolic compounds.