EVALUATION OF ANTIHYPERGLYCEMIC AND ANTIOXIDATIVE EFFECTS OF DILLENIA INDICA L. USING IN-VIVO APPROACHES

Dillenia indica (DI) is a traditionally used medicinal plant which is reported to exhibit wide range of pharmacological activities. However, no vast scientific study has been conducted in this regard. The present study was designed to investigate the antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidative activities of the Dillenia indica fruits. Aqueous and methanolic extracts of the fruits were prepared and Phenolic and flavonoid content of the extracts were determined. Diabetic mice were prepared with alloxan (150 mg/kg) body weight (b.w.). Antihyperglycemic study was carried out with doses (150-550) mg/kg b.w. of methanolic fruit extract (MFE) in diabetic mice. Biochemical analysis of lipid profile and liver marker enzymes were carried out. Antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione reductase) activity assessments and histopathological investigations were done in liver and kidneys of mice. From the studies we found that MFE possesses higher phenolic and flavonoid content and therefore were considered for further studies. From the antihyperglycemic study it was found that 350 mg/kg b.w. dose was the most effective in reduction of blood glucose level. Significant reduction in the levels of serum lipids and liver marker enzymes and significant increase in the activities of the antioxidant enzymes were observed in the treated group. Histopathological investigation showed that detrimental effects of oxidative stress were attenuated in the treated group. It was further concluded that Dillenia indica fruits were found to be quite effective against hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress and therefore the fruits could be considered to be of therapeutic value in diabetes.