Antidiabetic and ameliorative potential of Ficus bengalensis bark extract in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antidiabetic and ameliorative potential of aqueous extract of Ficus bengalensis bark in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. The effect of oral administration of aqueous extract of F. bengalensis bark on blood glucose, serum electrolytes, serum glycolytic enzymes, liver microsomal protein, hepatic cytochrome P-450 dependent monooxygenase enzymes and lipid peroxidation in liver and kidney of streptozotocin -induced diabetic rats was studied. Oral administration of Ficus bengalensis to fed, fasted and glucose loaded diabetic rats significantly [F > 0.05 (ANOVA) and P< 0.05 (DMRT)] decreased the blood glucose level at 5 hrs and restored the levels of serum electrolytes, glycolytic enzymes and hepatic cytochrome P-450 dependent enzyme systems and decreased the formation of liver and kidney lipid peroxides at the end of 12 weeks. Further, the aqueous extract of Ficus bengalensis at a dose of 500mg/kg/day exhibits significant antidiabetic and ameliorative activity as evidenced by histological studies in normal and Ficus bengalensis treated streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. On the basis of our findings, it could be used as an antidiabetic and ameliorative agent for better management of diabetes mellitus.     

Effect of<Emphasis Type="Italic">Coccinia indica</Emphasis> (L.) and<Emphasis Type="Italic">Abroma augusta</Emphasis> (L.) on glycemia,lipid profile and on indicators of end-organ damage in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

InAyurvedic system of medicine in India, not only extracts of one plant or the other but also a combination of plant extracts are used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The present paper reports the combined effect ofAbroma augusta andCoccinia indica known to be useful for the treatment of diabetes in Ayurveda on the fasting blood sugar, glucose tolerance and lipid profile of Streptozotocin (STZ) induced albino rats. 300mg of water extract of the mixture of dried powdered roots ofA. augusta and leaves ofC. indica in equal proportions was given once daily for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks of treatment of Streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats, the fasting blood sugar came down to almost normal value and improvement in glucose tolerance and serum lipid profile were also observed.