The roots of the custard apple tree, Annona squamosa L. (Annonaceae) were investigated for antidiabetic properties. Diabetes mellitus was induced with streptozotocin and graded doses of the ethanol root extracts were then administered to normal and experimental diabetic rats for 12 days. Effect of the root extract was also studied on various biochemical parameters namely fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TCH), HDL-cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), serum glutamate oxaloacetate and pyruvate transaminases (SGOT and SGPT), and serum insulin levels were evaluated in normal and in diabetic rats. The diabetic groups treated with the ethanol root extract were compared with standard glibenclamide. The findings showed the significant antidiabetic potential of the extract in ameliorating the diabetic conditions in diabetic rats. No significant effects were found in the normal rats.
Loading....