Glycaemic Evaluation of Folk Recipe (Medicinal Plants) in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rabbits

Abstract

Aim/Background: The present study was planned to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of ‘Folk recipe’ a combination of traditional medicinal plants in normoglycemic and alloxan-induced diabetes rabbits. The level of antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH in relation to the total phenolic contents. Methods: Antidiabetic activity of aqueous extract of Folk Recipe (AFR) in 100-300 mg/kg, b.w. doses was determined by estimating blood glucose and serum insulin levels before and 1, 2, 4, 8, 24, 48 and 72 hour post-treatment(s) intervals in treated rabbits. Total phenolic contents and DPPH-antioxidant activity of AFR were measured in vitro. Results: AFR showed a dose dependent antidiabetic activity; maximum effect was established with 300 mg/kg, b.w. dose. The extract exerted a high significant (P<0.001) hypoglycemic effect in normal and alloxan diabetic rabbits. Extract showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in insulin levels and protected completely against alloxan-induced histopathological changes in pancreatic beta-cells of diabetic rabbits. A high antioxidant activity of AFR (5-10 µg/mL) was observed in comparison with L-ascorbic acid (5-10 µg/mL). The doses used did not show any sign of acute toxicity or resulted in any behavioral change. Conclusion: From this study it may be concluded that the Folk recipe causes a reduction in blood glucose and increasing serum insulin levels may combat due to antioxidant activity by protecting beta-cells. Evaluation agreed with the potential use of Folk recipe as a traditional anti-diabetic tool.