Assessment of antidiabetic potential of leaf extract of Bauhinia variegata Linn. in Type-I and Type-II diabetes

Abstract

Aim: Bauhinia variegata Linn., syn: Kovidara and Kachnar, is a medium-sized deciduous tree generally found in sub-Himalayan region of India. Just about all parts of this plant are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments. A metabolic disorder, diabetes mellitus is one of the most common disorders. The current study was intended to appraise the efficacy of the ethanolic extract (EE) of B. variegata leaves in animal models of Type I and Type II diabetes. Materials and Methods: Type I diabetes was induced by alloxan at the dose of 150 mg/kg (i.p.) in male albino Wistar rats while Type II diabetes was induced by high-fat diet and alloxan at the dose of 130 mg/kg (i.p.). Diabetic animals were treated with EE at the dose of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg. Glipizide (5 mg/kg) was used as standard treatment drug. Results: Treatment was given for 28 days. Parameters evaluated were body weight, plasma glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total proteins, albumin, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). In Type II diabetes, high-density lipoprotein levels in plasma and plasma insulin level were also evaluated. EE was also found to decrease cholesterol, triglyceride, creatinine, and BUN level in both types of diabetes. EE did not show any significant effect on plasma levels of aspirate aminotransferase, ALT, and ALP. EE was found to increase the albumin and total protein levels. Conclusion: Results obtained indicate that the EE of the leaves of B. variegata Linn. was able to lower the increased blood glucose levels in the selected animal models.