ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to analyze compounds from the methanolic extract of fruits of Helicteres isora for antidiabetic activity. Sanguinarine, berberine chloride (BC) and muscimol were found to be as major compounds in the methanolic fruits extract of H. isora. BC was isolated from the methanolic fruit extract of H. isora by using HPLC and other compounds were commercially acquired. Diabetes was induced in rats by a single dose of intraperitonial injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Sanguinarine (50 mg/kg b.w), BC (50 mg/kg b.w) and muscimol (50 mg/kg b.w) were evaluated by Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) in normal and STZ induced diabetic rats. Among the three compounds, BC significantly reduced the blood glucose levels when compared to sanguinarine and muscimol. The OGTT study clearly indicates, BC possess promising antidiabetic activity against STZ induced diabetic rats.