Antioxidant Activity of Indian Herbal Drugs in Rats with Aloxan-induced Diabetes

Abstract

Methanol extracts (75%) of Aegle marmelos, Momordica charantia, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Eclipta prostrata, Salacia oblonga, Coriandrum sativum, Vernonia anthelmintica and Murraya koenigii, plants used extensively in the Indian system of medicine, were found to be potent inhibitors of lipid peroxide formation and scavengers of hydroxyl and superoxide radicals in vitro. Oral administration of the extracts (100 mg/kg body weight) were found to reduce the serum glucose level in normal and alloxan (120 mg/kg) diabetic rats significantly for 4h and continued administration of the drug sustained this effect. Reduction of serum glucose by activities of herbal drugs such as Aegle marmelos (56.8%), Momordica charantia (55.4%) and Trigonella foenum-graecum (52.5%) were almost as high as the activity of insulin (60.4%). The extract of Aegle marmelos showed highest activity as an antidiabetic and antioxidant, compared to other extracts. The results indicated that oxidant induced alterations in the glucose utilizing system during diabetic manifestation is partially reversed by the administration of herbal extracts having antioxidant activity.