BIOANALYTICAL METHOD DEVELOPMENT OF METFORMIN CO-ADMINISTERED WITH OCIMUM SANCTUM FOR POTENTIAL BIOENHANCER ACTIVITY

Objective: The present study was an effort to evaluate the effect of Ocimum sanctum on plasma concentration of metformin HCl and investigating its pharmacokinetic parameters using bioanalytical method. Methods: Seven groups comprising of six rats were used. Group I served as normal control and Group II was negative control of Streptozotocin induced Diabetic rats. Group III received 100mg/kg p.o. Metformin alone while Group IV and V were administered with 100mg/kg and 150mg/kg p.o. extract respectively. Group VI and VII were given metformin and extract in combination. Blood glucose level was determined in treated rats for 0.5, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24hr as part of protocol I and directly on 2^nd, 4^th and 7^th day as part of protocol II.  RP-HPLC method was developed and validated for estimation of plasma levels of metformin HCl in plasma. With the help of above developed method, pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated in plasma for metformin alone and combination with Ocimum sanctum. Results: RP-HPLC method was developed successfully for determination of plasma concentration of metformin HCl. Ocimum sanctum extract (100mg/kg) with metformin HCl (100mg/kg) shows higher Cmax (19.8ng/ml) and Tmax shifted to lower side (3.027hrs) as compared with 100mg/kg of metformin alone indicating improvement in plasma concentration of metformin. Conclusion: The present study indicates that the methanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum may have antihyperglycemic activity. It also improves availability of metformin. Thus dose or frequency of dosing of metformin can be minimized and Ocimum sanctum may act as bioenhancer for metformin when administered orally.