AN INVESTIGATION ON THE TYPE I ANTIDIABETIC ACTIVITY OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF MARINE ALGAE, GRACILARIA EDULIS AND SARGASSUM POLYCYSTUM

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of methanolic extract of marine algae Sargassum polycystum (MSP) and Gracilaria edulis (MGE) in STZ induced diabetes in rats for Type I diabetic mellitus. The marine algae SP and GE were dried under shade and then powdered, and extracted with methanol. Preliminary phytochemical studies and acute toxicity studies were also carried out on methanolic extract of SP, and GE. After overnight fasting, for type I diabetes was induced in rats by I.P. injection of STZ dissolved in 0.1 M sodium citrate buffer at pH 4.5, at a dose of 65 mg/kg body weight. Group A served as normal control while group B was considered as diabetic control. Group C was standard receiving insulin 4U/kg and Group D diabetic animals were treated with MSP and MGE (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) respectively. During the study, body weight and fasting blood glucose level were taken at 0 and 30^th day. At the end of study, animals in all groups were sacrificed, blood sample, pancreas were collected. Biochemical parameters such as total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, TG, LDL cholesterol, histopathological studies of pancreas were performed. Significant antidiabetic activity of MSP and MGE observed in the present investigation could be the result of decreased blood glucose levels and improved body mass. Methanolic extract of SP and GE also showed improvisation in lipid profile and may have protective effect in DM related cardiovascular complications.