Antihyperglycemic effects of Amrtottara Kvatha, an Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by suppressing oxidative stress

Abstract

Amrtottara Kvatha [KNM3] (AK) is a widely used Ayurvedic preparation, primarily utilized for hyperpyrexia (‘Jwara’). In the present study we evaluated the antidiabetic effect of AK against streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic murine model. The effects of AK on normoglycemic rats and glucose tolerance were also studied. The antidiabetic effect of AK was evaluated in streptozotocin (STZ, 55 mg/kg, i.p.) induced diabetic rats. AK was administered orally at four doses AK (1/4), AK (1/2), AK (T) and AK (DD) for fourteen days to examine the antidiabetic activity with glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) as reference standard. The effect of AK on blood glucose and insulin levels, biochemical parameters, oxidative stress biomarkers and histopathological examinations were studied. Oral administration of AK at doses AK (1/4), AK (1/2), AK (T) and AK (DD) to rats with streptozotocin induced diabetes showed significant (P<0.01) decrease in blood glucose levels with improved insulin levels, liver glycogen and pancreatic protein content. The oxidative stress biomarkers (malondialdehyde and advanced oxidation protein products) were reduced in all AK treated groups with a significant (P<0.01) increase in antioxidant enzyme status. Histopathological studies also supported the findings. The present study reports for the first time the antidiabetic effects of Amrtottara Kvatha by suppressing oxidative stress induced by streptozotocin in Wistar rats.