Antidiabetic activity of insulin plant (Costus igneus) leaf extract in diabetic rats.

Abstract

The aim of this research was to investigate antidiabetic activity of Costus igneus (also known as insulin plant) leaves extracts in alloxan induced diabetic albino rats. A comparison was made between the action of Costus igneus extract and a known antidiabetic drug glibenclamide (600 µg/kg body wt.). An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was also performed in experimental diabetic rats. Ethanolic extracts of Costus igneus were obtained by simple maceration method & were subjected to standardization by phytochemical screening methods. Preliminary phytochemical investigations showed the presence of alkaloids and steroids in ethanolic extract. Dose selection was made on the basis of acute oral toxicity study (50mg to 5000 mg/kg body weight) as per OECD guidelines. Costus igneus ethanolic extract showed significant (P<0.001) antidiabetic activity. These extracts also prevented body weight loss in diabetic rats. We are the first to report Costus igneus leaves pharmacognostic, phytochemical investigations and its antidiabetic activity in OGTT and alloxan induced model.