BIOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF ANTIDIABETIC AND ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIALS OF ANNONA SQUAMOSA LEAVES EXTRACTS STUDIED IN STZ INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

Diabetes mellitus is characterized by persistent fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels due to inability of the body cells to utilize glucose properly. Though drugs are plenty for the treatment of diabetes, none is found to be ideal due to undesirable side effects and diminution after prolonged use. Hence, search for novel drugs, especially from plant origin continues. Based on folkloric use, the present study was designed to evaluate the antidiabetic and antioxidant potential of Annona squamosa Linn. (Annonaceae) in STZ-induced experimental diabetes in rats. Daily oral administration of Annona squamosa leaves extract (100 mg/kg b.w./day) to diabetic rats for 30 days significantly reduced the levels of blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, urea and creatinine. The observed decrease in the levels of plasma protein, plasma insulin, C-peptide and hemoglobin in the diabetic rats were elevated to near normal by the extract treatment. The altered antioxidant status of diabetic rats were reverted back to near normalcy by the administration of Annona squamosa leaves extract. The efficacy of the Annona squamosa extract was comparable with gliclazide, a known hypoglycemic drug.