Antidiabetic potential of Zanthoxylum armatum bark extract on streptozotocin‑induced diabetic rats

Abstract

Objective: Hydromethanolic extract of the bark of Zanthoxylum armatum (HMZA) was evaluated for its antidiabetic and antioxidant activity in streptozotocin‑induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: HMZA was evaluated in normal and diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (60 mg/kg i.p.). Normal and diabetic rats were divided into different groups and orally administered with HMZA (200 and 400 mg/kg) and glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) for 21 days. Blood samples were collected from overnight‑fasted rats on at 7, 14 and 21 days of treatment and analysed for blood glucose level and lipid profile. On day 21, rats were sacrificed and liver and kidney tissues were excised to measure their antioxidant status. Results: Oral administration of HMZA for 21 days (200 and 400 mg/kg) resulted in significant reduction in blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein and significant increase in high density lipoprotein and body weight of streptozotocin diabetic rats. In addition to that, significant decrease in lipid peroxidation and increase in catalase, superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione were observed in streptozotocin diabetic rats. Conclusion: From the present study, it is evident that, the bark of Z. armatum possesses significant antidiabetic and antioxidant effect on diabetic rats and suggests that the plant may have therapeutic value in diabetes and related complications. Key words: Antidiabetic, antioxidant, glibenclamide, streptozotocin, Zanthoxylum armatum