Effect of acacia nilotica leaves extract on hyperglycemia, lipid profile and platelet aggregation in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

ABSTRACT

Background: To consider new hypoglycaemic, anti-hyperlipidaemic and anti-platelet aggregation sources, aqueous methanol extract of Acacia Nilotica [AN] leaves was investigated in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Methods: Diabetes mellitus was induced in 90 out of 120 male albino rats by administering 50 mg/Kg bodyweight [bw] streptozotocin intraperitonealy, and was confirmed by measuring fasting blood glucose level >200 mg/dL on 4th post-induction day. The rats were equally divided into 4 groups, A [normal control], B [diabetic control], C [diabetics rats treated with plant extract] and group D [diabetics rats treated with glyburide]. The rats of group C and D were given single dose of 300 mg/Kg bw, AN extract, and 900 µg/Kg bw glyburide respectively for 3 weeks. Blood glucose levels were measured by glucometer, platelet aggregation by DiaMed method, ß-thromboglobulin and insulin by ELISA technique, and lipid components were measured by enzymatic calorimetric method. Results: Significant differences [p<0.05] were noticed in blood glucose, serum insulin, platelet aggregation and triglyceride levels in diabetic rats treated with AN extract and glyburide as compared to diabetic controlled rats. A significant difference [p<0.05] in ß-thromboglobulin and LDL levels was also noticed in rats treated with glyburide than the diabetic controlled rats. The levels of fasting blood glucose, ß-thromboglobulin and platelet aggregation were significantly reduced [p<0.05] in diabetic rats treated with glyburide than AN extract treated rats. Conclusions: Administration of AN leaves extract showed hypoglycaemic and anti-platelet aggregation activity in diabetic rats as that of glyburide. Keywords Acacia Nilotica, Hypoglycemia, Streptozotocin