Diabetes was induced in Wistar rats by administration of alloxan monohydrate (130 mg/kg i.p.) and insulin resistance by dexamethasone (10 mg/kg s.c. once daily for 10 days). The rats treated with alloxan monohydrate produced cardinal signs of diabetes mellitus like loss of body weight, polyuria, polydipsia and increased blood glucose level. Dexamethasone produced insulin resistance in rats with increased serum glucose and lipid profiles. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts (at 200 and 400 mg/kg of each) and pioglitazone (30 mg/kg) were administered orally to alloxan induced diabetic rats of respective groups. Fasting blood glucose, serum triglyceride, total cholesterol levels, body weight, urine output, water intake & glycogen content were evaluated. Experimental findings showed significant antihyperglycemic activity in terms of reduction of blood glucose level, lipid profiles, water intake and urine output and prevented the loss of bodyweight. Significant increase in the glycogen content of muscle and liver as compared to diabetic control group was observed. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts produced decrease in glucose levels in dexamethasone induced insulin resistance in rats. The results suggest that Malvastrum coromandelianum possesses potential antihyperglycemic activity with improvement in lipid profile and glycogen content of insulin dependent tissues.
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