ANTIDIABETIC EFFECT OF PLUMERIA RUBRA LINN. IN STREPTOZOTOCIN INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

Diabetes is a chronic disease caused by inherited or acquired deficiency in insulin secretion and by decreased responsiveness of the organs to secreted insulin. The protective effect of aqueous extract of Plumeria Rubra was studied against streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes in rats. Plumeria rubra was administered orally at 3 dose levels (100, 200, 400mg/kg). Plumeria rubra extract and standard drug Glibenclamide (GB) (10mg/kg, p.o.) was administered to animals for 28 days. The blood glucose, serum cholesterol, serum triglyceride, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, body weight were assessed in the experimental animals. Plumeria rubra extract induced significant reduction (P < 0.001) in blood glucose levels in STZ induced diabetic rats. Plumeria rubra was found effective at all doses, although 200 mg/kg was found to be more effective and comparable with standard group. Additionally, histopathological examination of kidneys and pancreas showed that Plumeria rubra markedly ameliorated STZ induced renal tubular necrosis and pancreatic damage. Plumeria rubra exhibited significant antihyperglycemic activity in STZ induced diabetic rats. The results of the present study provide support to the traditional usage of the plant in diabetes.