In Vivo Anti Diabetic Activity of Ethyl Acetate Leaf Extract of Azima tetracantha Lam in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health problem and the incidence of DM is increasing at alarming rate all over the world. Many Indian medicinal plants have been reported to possess potential anti diabetic activity and could play important role in the management diabetes. The present study aimed to evaluate anti diabetic activities of ethylacetate extract of Azima tetracantha Lam leaf in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in male wistar rats by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg b.wt.). The diabetic rats were administered orally with Azima tetracantha Lam leaf ethyl acetate extract at two different doses (150 and 250 mg/kg b.wt./day) for 18 days. At dose levels of 150 and 250 mg/kg, glucose levels were decreased by 24.8% and 29.9% at the 6th hour, respectively. Anti diabetic effect of the extract was slightly decreased at the 8th hour, but remained statistically significant. An overall reduction of 26% was observed on the 18th day by 50mg/kg administration (p<0.01). 52.5% reduction of glucose level in the serum absorbed at 18th day administration at dose level of 150 mg/kg (p<0.0001). 250mg/kg extract administration is more effective from 6th day onwards with a reduction rate of 18.9% (p<0.01) and maximum reduction of serum glucose level by 61.9% on the 18th day. Rats treated with higher doses of the extract (150 and 250 mg/kg) showed significant improvements in hepatic and renal function. Additionally, these two dose levels recovered the weight loss and low white blood cell count observed in Streptozotocin-diabetic rats while decreasing liver glycogen. Azima tetracantha Lam leaf ethyl acetate extract (150 and 250 mg/kg) also showed a protective effect on liver oxidative status. The results of present study showed that Azima tetracantha Lam leaf ethyl acetate extract possess significant antihyperglycemic activity and supports the traditional use of Azima tetracantha Lam leaf for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.