Study of the Traditionally Used Medicinal Plant Osbeckia chinensis. for Hypoglycemic and Anti-hyperglycemic Effects in Mice

Abstract

Roots of Osbeckia chinensis. L. (Melastomaceae), used by the local community of the North Eastern Region of India, were evaluated for hypoglycemic and anti-hyperglycemic activity. Traditionally, a decoction of the roots is used as folk remedy for a variety of ailments, including diabetes mellitus. The effect of aqueous-methanol (1:4) root extracts of O. chinensis. in reducing blood glucose level at different doses varied with the dosage used in both normal and alloxan-induced diabetic mice. The effects were observed to reach maximum 4 h after administration in normal mice and 6 h in diabetic mice, indicating hypoglycemic and anti-hyperglycemic activities. Dosage of 350 mg/kg body weight and above proved to be toxic to normal mice. In diabetic mice, a pronounced anti-hyperglycemic activity of the extract was observed with no apparent toxicity at the dose of 250 mg/kg body weight. Glucose tolerance in normal and diabetic mice was similarly improved on administration of the extract. Glibenclamide, metformin, and insulin were used as reference drugs.