Publication:

Antidiabetic activity of Plumeria rubra L. in normal and alloxan induced diabetic mice

Background Diabetes mellitus is a major source of morbidity in developed countries. In spite of the introduction of hypoglycemic agents, diabetes and related complications continue to be a major medical problem. Our present study aims to investigate the antidiabetic activity of aqueous extract of plumeria rubra (PR) in experimental animals.

Methods PR extract was subjected to antidiabetic study in alloxan induced diabetic model at three-dose levels 100,200 and 400 mg/kg respectively. It was also tested for hypoglycemic activity at same dose levels. Diabetes was induced by alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg, i.p.). PR extracts and standard drug glibenclamide (10 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered to animals for 28 days. The blood glucose, serum cholesterol, serum triglyceride, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, glycosylated hemoglobin. Body weights were assessed in the experimental animals. Histopathological observations during 28 days treatment were also evaluated.

Results PR extract induced significant reduction (P<0.001) in fasting blood glucose levels in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Significant differences were observed in serum lipid profiles, glycosylated haemoglobin by extract treated-diabetic animals, when compared with the diabetic control and normal animals. The protective effect of PR was also evident from the histopathological examination on pancreas, liver and kidney. It reduced the injuries induced by alloxan.

Conclusions PR exhibited significant antihyperglycemic activity in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic mice. The results of the present study provide support to the traditional usage of the plant in diabetes.