Experimental evaluation of hypoglycemic effect of bark extract of Ficus benghalensis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Abstract

Background: Diabetes is chronic condition that is a major risk factor for diseases of all organ systems. We currently have many allopathic drugs to treat the condition, however, we need to explore the effects of the herbal drugs in treating the disease. Aim and Objective: Our study aims to evaluate the antidiabetic effect of Ficus benghalensis bark ethanolic extraction in diabetic male albino rat species. Materials and Methods: The albino rats were categorized into six groups and each group consists of six rats. All groups were induced diabetes by streptozotocin except Group-I. Group-I (normal control) and Group-II (diabetic control) were not given any drug. Group-III (standard group) was received glibenclamide 0.5 mg/kg body weight by oral route daily for 15 days. Group-IV rats (test Group-1) were given 150 mg/kg, Group-V rats (test Group-2) were given 300 mg/kg, and Group-VI (test Group-3) rats were given 500 mg/kg body weight of F. benghalensis bark extract by oral route daily for 15 days. Glucose levels in blood were evaluated on the 0th, 5th, 10th, and 15th days. Results: The test groups were treated with increasing dose of F. benghalensis bark extract which had significant dose-dependent anti-hyperglycemic activity. The test Group 3 showed antidiabetic activity as effective as glibenclamide with the dose of 500 mg/kg. Conclusion: The study on F. benghalensis bark extract concluded that it has dose-dependent anti-hyperglycemic effect in diabetic rats as efficacious as standard drug.