Antihyperglycemic activity of Lagenaria siceraria aerial parts on streptozotocin induced diabetes in rats.

Abstract

SUMMARY The present study was carried out to evaluate the antihyperglycemic activity of methanol extract of Lagenaria siceraria aerial parts (MELS) for its purported use in diabetes. Hyperglycemia was induced by streptozotocin (50 mg/kg, i.p.) in rats. Treatment was done by MELS at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o. for 14 days. Glibenclamide (500 µg/kg) was used as a reference drug. Antihyperglycemic potential was assessed by fasting blood glucose (FBG) measurement (on days 0, 4, 8 and 15), biochemical tests (SGPT, SGOT, ALP, total cholesterol, triglycerides), antioxidant assay (lipid peroxide, catalase and glutathione) and histologic study of the liver, kidney and pancreas tissue. Significant reduction (P<0.001) in FBG levels was observed with treatment duration. Antioxidant and biochemical parameters were significantly improved by MELS and glibenclamide treatment. Histologic observations showed good correlations with the results obtained. The study explored the potent antihyperglycemic activity of MELS, which is probably attributable to its rich flavonoid content.