Evaluation of hypoglycaemic and anti‑hyperglycaemic activities of Guduchi Ghana in Swiss albino mice

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a common endocrine disorder, characterized by hyperglycaemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action or both. Ayurvedic herbs are relatively low cost, more suitable and have negligible side‑effects than synthetic oral anti‑hyperglycaemic agents. Guduchi is reported as highly potent anti‑diabetic herb in Ayurveda and Guduchi Ghanavati is popularly known by the Ayurvedic fraternity for its therapeutic properties on Madhumeha represented as diabetes mellitus. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate hypoglycaemic and anti‑hyperglycaemic activities of Guduchi Ghana (GG) in Swiss albino mice. Materials and Methods: Hypoglycaemic and anti‑hyperglycaemic potential of GG was evaluated in normal mice using both 18 h fasted mice model and oral glucose tolerance test. GG was suspended in distilled water and administered to animals at the dose of 130 mg/kg. Statistical Analysis: The results were statistically interpreted using Student’s ‘t’‑test for paired and unpaired data to assess the statistical significance and the significant level was set at P < 0.05. Results: GG showed mild reduction in blood sugar level (BSL) at all the time intervals in normoglycaemic mice. In anti‑hyperglycaemic activity, glibenclamide at a dose of 0.65 mg/kg studied as the reference standard to compare the potency of test drug. Administration of GG prior to glucose over load resulted significant attenuation in BSL at 60 min, 90 min and 120 min in comparison to glucose control group. Conclusions: GG has mild hypoglycaemic and significant anti‑hyperglycaemic activity and can be used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus as well as a supportive drug without fear of producing hypoglycaemia. Key words: Anti‑hyperglycaemic, Ghana, glibenclamide, Guduchi, hypoglycaemic, tinospora cordifolia