Influence of Helicteres isora L. Bark Extracts on Glycaemic Control and Renoprotective Activity in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

The present investigation, the aqueous bark extracts of Helicteres isora was investigated on glycaemic control and renoprotective activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats using short term and long term study. The blood glucose lowering activity of the bark extracts (100, 200mg/kg) was determined in streptozotocin-induced (60 mg/kg) diabetic rats in short term study. Blood samples were collected at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 h after bark extracts administration and the samples were analyzed for blood glucose. In long term study, the bark extracts (100, 200 mg/kg) were administered to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, daily for 8 weeks. Blood glucose was measured at weekly intervals for 4 weeks. Urine samples were collected before the induction of diabetes and at the end of 8 weeks of treatments and analyzed for urinary protein, albumin and creatinine levels. The results shows that the aqueous bark extracts of Helicteres isora produced dose-dependent reduction in blood glucose of diabetic rats and comparable with that of standard drug, tolbutamide. The renoprotective activity is also observed in bark extracts treated rats. The results indicate a prolonged action in reduction of blood glucose by Helicteres isora and are probably mediated through enhanced secretion of insulin from the β-cells of Langerhans or through extra pancreatic mechanism. The probable mechanism of potent renoprotective actions of Helicteres isora has to be evaluated.