SCREENING OF SIMAROUBA GLUACA FOR ANTIDIABETIC AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES

The objective of the study was to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of methanolic extract of Simarouba glauca in STZ induced diabetes in rats for type I diabetic mellitus. The leaves of Simarouba glauca were dried under shade and then powdered, and extracted with 90% methanol by reflux. Preliminary phytochemical studies and acute toxicity studies were also carried out on a methanolic extract of Simarouba glauca. After overnight fasting, for type I diabetes was induced in rats by i.p. Injection of STZ, at a dose of 65 mg/kg/b.w. Group A served as normal control while group B was considered as diabetic control. Group C was standard receiving insulin 4 U/kg, and Group D diabetic animals were treated with Simarouba glauca (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg). During the study, body weight and fasting blood glucose level were taken at 0 and 30^th day. At the end of the study, animals in all groups were sacrificed; blood sample, pancreas, and liver were collected – biochemical parameters such as lipid profiles, SGOT, SGPT, HbA_1C and antioxidative activity. Histopathological studies of pancreas and liver were performed. Simarouba glauca showed decreased blood glucose levels and improved body mass and also showed improvisation in lipid profile, HbA_1C of the normal control was found to be 6.2%, diabetic control 14.83% and the preventive group was 10.42% for the lower dose, and in a higher dose, we were got 8%. Similarly, SGPT and SGOT, we were found significantly reduced compared to diabetic control. The antioxidant activity showed a significant reduction. Hence, it may facilitate to prevent diabetic complication.