Hypoglycemic effect of ethanolic extract of bark of Terminalia arjuna Linn. in normal and alloxan-induced noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus albino rats

Abstract

Introduction: The Bark of Terminalia arjuna Linn. (family‑Combretaceae) is used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Aim: Therefore, the effect of ethanolic extract of bark of Terminalia arjuna on blood glucose level of normal and diabetic rats was evaluated in this study. Materials and Methods: Healthy Wistar albino rats (100-150 gm) were divided into four groups of six animals each. Normal control group received normal saline (10 ml/kg/day/p.o.); diabetic treated group received ethanolic extract of bark of Terminalia arjuna (500 mg/kg/p.o.); diabetic standard group received Glibenclamide (0.5 mg/kg/day/p.o.) given for 2 weeks. To induce diabetes, alloxan 150 mg/kg, i.p. single dose was administered to diabetic control, diabetic treated and diabetic standard groups. Blood glucose and body weight was estimated weekly for two weeks. For mechanism of action glycogen estimation on liver, cardiac and skeletal muscle; effect on adrenaline induced hyperglycemia and intestinal glucose absorption was done. For hypoglycemic action on normal rats, blood glucose was estimated at ‘0’ min and ‘120’ min. Results: The test drug showed significant decrease (P<0.01) in blood glucose level. The test drug showed a significant (P<0.01) increase in glycogen content in liver, cardiac and skeletal muscle, significantly (P<0.01) reduced adrenaline induced hyperglycemia and intestinal glucose absorption. Blood glucose in normal rats was significantly (P<0.01) decreased in drug treated groups. Conclusion: Terminalia arjuna bark possesses significant hypoglycaemic and anti‑diabetic activity. Key words: Antioxidant, blood glucose, flavonoids, glycogen