Publication:

Study of the oral hypoglycemic activity of Moringaoleifera leaves alone and in combination with Glibenclamide in streptozotocin induced diabetic albino rats

Background Oringaoleifera is a widely used plant with high medicinal value, well known for its pharmacological actions and is used in various conditions. It has been reported to have many biological properties like anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, antitumour including antidiabetic activity.

Methods The study was carried out in Wistar albino rats with body weight 150-250gms. Diabetes was induced by injecting Streptozotocin intraperitoneally- dose 55 mg/kg BW. Animals were divided into 5 groups with 6 animals in each group. First group (Control) was given 2% gum acacia. Other 4 groups were induced diabetes by giving Streptozotocin. Diabetic control group received gum acacia (0.5 ml), Standard group received Glibenclamide (0.5mg/kg BW), Test group received Moringaoleifera extract (300mg/kg) and Test+ Standard group receiving combination of Moringaoleifera and glibenclamide at half the above doses. All drugs were given orally for 28 days and blood glucose levels analyzed using Glucometer on Day 0 before drug and on D1, D3, D7, D14, D21, and D28. Data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey‘s Post Hoc test.

Results Hypoglycemia produced by Moringaoleifera extract was significant (p<0.001) when compared to diabetic control group from day 7 to day 28. The percent reduction of blood glucose level was 52.9% as compared to Glibenclamide group 61.3%. The combination group also showed significant hypoglycemic activity the percentage reduction being 56.44%.

Conclusions Thus, Moringaoleifera decreased blood glucose level efficaciously as compared to diabetic control group and similar to standard group at p<0.001.