Evaluation of Antidiabetic activity of Costusigneus(L) leaves on STZ induced diabetic rats

Abstract

The aim of this research was to investigate antidia betic activity of Costus igneus (also known as insu lin plant) leaves extracts in streptozotocin induced diabetic albino rats. A comparison was made between the acti on of Costus igneus extract and a known antidiabetic drug gliben clamide (5mg/kg body wt.). An oral glucose toleranc e test (OGTT) was also performed in experimental diabetic rats. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Costus igne us(L) were obtained by simple maceration method & were subject ed to standardization by phytochemical screening me thods. Preliminary phytochemical investigations showed the presence of alkaloids.flavonoids,phenolic compound s and steroids in ethanolic extract. Dose selection was m ade on the basis of acute oral toxicity study (50mg to 2000 mg/kg body weight) as per OECD guidelines423. The ethanol ic extract of Costus igneus showed significant (P<0 .001) antidiabetic activity. This extracts also prevented body weight loss in diabetic rats.