ANTI-DIABETIC ACTIVITY OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF PRAECITRULLUS FISTULOSUS LEAVES ON STREPTOZOTOCIN INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

Objective: The present study was designed to evaluate the anti-diabetic activity of ethanol extract of Praecitrullus fistulosus leaves on streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: The anti-diabetic activity of plant leaves was investigated in streptozotocin induced diabetes model. Effect of ethanol extract of Praecitrullus fistulosus (EPF) leaves on normal blood glucose levels and oral glucose tolerance test were studied in normoglycemic rats while antidiabetic effect was evaluated in streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemic rats. EPF (200 and 400 mg/ kg) was administered orally for 21 days. Glibenclamide (5mg/kg, orally for 21 days) was used as reference standard. Results: Administration of the EPF caused significant dose‑dependent reduction in blood glucose in both normoglycemic and hyperglycemic rats and also improved glucose tolerance test. EPF reduced glycosylated hemoglobin, lactate dehydrogenase and creatinine kinase levels in streptozotocin treated animals. The extract also ameliorated oxidative stress Parameters -TBARS, catalase and superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione content. Conclusion: The ethanol extract of Praecitrullus fistulosus (EPF) leaves exhibited antidiabetic activity possibly through increased secretion of insulin and the effect may be attributed to the presence of flavonoids and phenolic compounds present in extract.