ANTI-HYPERGLYCEMIC EFFECT ANNONA RETICULATA L. LEAVES ON EXPERIMENTAL DIABETIC RAT MODEL

Abstract

Context: Annona reticulata Linn (Annonaceae) commonly known as bullock's heart is widely distributed all over India and leaves are used as insecticides, anthelmintic, styptic and are also used externally as suppurant. Objective: The present study has been designed to determine the effectiveness of Hydro-Alcoholic extract of leaves of Annona reticulata L. (HAAR) for potential hypoglycemic activity against streptozotocin (STZ) induced hyperglycemic rats. Materials and methods: Hyperglycemia was induced in rats by administration of multiple low doses (40 mg/kg) of Streptozotocin (STZ) to the overnight fasted rats for five consecutive days intraperitoneally. After 12days of STZ administration, the fasting blood glucose levels (FBG) were measured and the rats with FBG level >250 mg/dL were considered to be diabetic and were used in the study. The study was undertaken by using the plant extract at dose levels of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg (as test), p.o. and standard drug as Metformin (300 mg/kg) in both normoglycemic and streptozotocin induced hyperglycemic animals. Hypoglycemic potential was assessed by the measurement of fasting blood glucose, Lipid Profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides), physical parameters (body weight, food and water intake) and Oral Glucose tolerance test. Results and discussion: Results of the studies showed that, the fasting blood glucose level in hyperglycemic and in oral glucose tolerance test, showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease at defined time points, while the observed biochemical and physical parameters showed a good agreement with hypoglycemic property of the extract. Conclusion: The present study suggests that Annona reticulata leaves possess potent glucose lowering effect.