ABSTRACT
Aims: To investigate the effect of ethanol extract of Coccinia grandis Lin (Cucurbitaceae) leaf in glucose and cholesterol lowering activity in animal model. Study Design: Extraction, glucose and cholesterol lowering activity evaluation. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacy, North South University, Dhaka between June 2012 and December 2012. Methodology: Glucose and cholesterol lowering effect of the ethanol extract of C. grandis leaf was evaluated using the alloxan-induced diabetic rat and compared the activity with diabetic control and antidiabetic drug (Glibenclamide). Ethanol extract (25mg/kg) of C. grandis and Glibenclamide were administered to normal and experimental diabetic rats for the duration of 10 days. Results: Phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, cardenolides and polyprenols in significant amounts. In the alloxan-induced diabetic rat model, C. grandis (25 mg/kg) significantly (p<0.05) lowered fasting blood glucose levels. C. grandis extract (25 mg/kg) also produced significant (p<0.05) total cholesterol lowering and HDL increasing (p<0.05) effects. Surprisingly, body weight was increased significantly (p<0.05) in the C. grandis treated diabetic group. Conclusion: These results suggest that the ethanol extract of C. grandis leaf possesses significant glucose and cholesterol lowering activity in animal model, thus supporting the usage of the plant in traditional medicine as an anti-diabetic medication.