Achyranthes aspera Linn. Known as Chirchira (Hindi), Apamarga (Sanskrit) and Agadha (Marathi) is an indigenous herb found in India. The herb has been reported to have variety of activities like antifertility, immunomodulatory, anticarcinogenic, diuretic and cardiotonic, analgesic-anti-inflammatory, hypnotic, antifungal and antibacterial activity. It is the content of many herbal formulations like Cystone tablets (Antidiarrhoeal), Diezo churna (Digestive, Appetizer) at the same time being used as nutritional supplement in folk medicine. Its hypoglycemic and antihyperlipidemic properties may have promising role in control of diabetes and prevention of its complications. In the present study we made an attempt to study and confirm its antidiabetic and lipid lowering effects which may be useful in minimizing morbidity and mortality associated with diabetic complications. Present study was designed to evaluate antidiabetic and lipid lowering effects of ethanolic extract of A. aspera (EEAA) and to find the phytochemical responsible for these activities with possible mode of its activity. The antidiabetic and lipid lowering effects of A. aspera were studied in alloxan induced diabetic albino rats. Effect of EEAA on BSL, body weight, serum triglycerides and total cholesterol was estimated on ‘0’-day and after 14 days of EEAA treatment .The extract was given orally at a dose of 400 mg/kg. Values reported are expressed as mean ± SEM. Statistical analysis was performed using student-‘t’ test. The values were considered significant when P < 0.05. Phytochemical and HPTLC screening of EEAA revealed presence of alkaloids, triterpenoids, saponins and flavonoids as major constituents. The result of the study reflected that EEAA (400 mg/kg i.p.) exhibit significant hypoglycemic (P< 0.05) and lipid lowering activity (P< 0.05) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.
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