ABSTRACT
Background: Insulin resistance is a pathological condition in which physiological levels of insulin produce only subnormal biological responses. In such instances, β cells of the pancreas produce more insulin but the cells in other body tissues are resistant to insulin leading to hyperinsulinemia, and subsequent hyperglycemia further results in metabolic syndrome. Aim and Objectives: This study was aimed to evaluate the hydro-alcoholic extract of Enicostemma littorale (ELE) in preventing dexamethasone 8mg/kg induced insulin resistance. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six male Wistar rats were categorized into Group I plain control that received distilled water, Group II dexa control that received dexamethasone 8mg/kg. Group III and Group IV received dexamethasone 8 mg/kg along with Metformin 500 mg/kg and 1g/kg respectively. Group V and VI received dexamethasone along with ELE 2.5 g/kg and 3.5 g/kg respectively. At the end, the fasting and repeated blood samples were collected at 30, 60 and 120 min for the esti tion of post Intraperitoneal Glucose Tolerance Test (IPGTT), serum glucose and insulin. Data were utilized for the assessment of the homeostasis model of assessment for insulin resistance and sensitivity, Gutt, Matsuda, fasting glucose to insulin ratio and disposition indices. Results: All insulin sensitivity indices were worsened in dexa control group as compared to plain control (P<0.05). ELE 3.5 g/kg significantly lowered fasting glucose and insulin compared to metformin 1 g/kg (P<0.05), and significantly prevented the fall of insulin sensitivity indices compared to dexa control group (P<0.05). Glycosuria and ketonuria were also absent in ELE 3.5 g/kg group. Conclusion: ELE 3.5 g/kg showed efficacy in preventing insulin resistance evidenced by improved insulin sensitivity indices comparable with that of metformin 1 mg/kg.