Evaluations of antidiabetic potential of the hydro-alcoholic extract of the stem bark of Plumeria rubra a traditionally used medicinal source in North-East India

Abstract

Aim: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia. Its complications such as neuropathy, cardiopathy, nephropathy, and micro- and macro-vascular diseases are believed to be due to the increase in oxidative stress. The present study aimed to evaluate the hypoglycemic activity of hydro-ethanolic (3:7) stem bark extracts of Plumeria rubra (Family: Apocynaceae) to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: The standardized doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight of the extract were administered orally to normal and diabetic rats to define its hypoglycemic potential. The blood glucose levels were measured using single touch glucose test strips and glucometer on weekly intervals until the end of the 21st day. Other parameters such as lipid profiles and liver enzymes were also investigated after the treatment periods. Results and Discussion: Results of the present investigation suggest that diabetes is associated with an increase in oxidative stress as shown by the increase in serum malondialdehyde, decreased levels of catalase, and glutathione. Furthermore, diabetes is associated with an increase in serum total cholesterol as well as triglycerides and alkaline phosphatase levels. The histopathological changes of the diabetic and vehicle control animals were also investigated here. Conclusion: Daily oral administration of hydro-alcoholic stem bark extracts and metformin hydrochloride as standard drug (5 mg/kg body weight) showed improvement effect of lowering blood glucose level as well as hyperlipidemia and liver functions. The extract has beneficial to maintain the animal body weight and has the regenerating power on pancreatic cells.