EVALUATION OF ANTI-DIABETIC ACTIVITY OF CARALLUMA ADSCENDENS WHOLE PLANT IN DITHIZONE INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

This study was aimed to evaluate the anti-diabetic activity of Ethanolic extract of the whole plant administered at different dosages (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) for 21 days in Dithizone-induced diabetic rats using Glibenclamide as a standard drug (hypoglycemic drug). For the study, rats were divided into five groups of six animals each. Group, I served as control, Group II served as diabetic control received Dithizone, Group III diabetic rats were served with Glibenclamide while Group IV and V diabetic rats were received 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg of Ethanolic extract of Caralluma adscendens whole plant. The antidiabetic potential of the whole plant extract was undertaken in Dithizone induced hyperglycemic models by comparing biochemical parameters like blood glucose levels, OGTT and lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and  HDL), total protein and liver function tests (Total bilirubin, ASP, ALT, and AST) along with the liver antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), glycogen content and Glycogenic enzymes were quantified using standard experimental procedures.  Administration of the extract at 100, 200 mg/kg body weight significantly decreased blood glucose levels, increased glucose tolerance, and improved imbalance in lipid metabolism in diabetic rats. These are indications of antidiabetic property of Caralluma adscendens with 200 mg/kg body weight of the extract showing the best hypoglycemic action by comparing favorably well with Glibenclamide. This investigation clearly showed that the extract is endowed with hypoglycemic activity; Caralluma adscendens may also protect the liver against impairment due to diabetes.