Evaluation of antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic activity of ethanolic extract of Clerodendrum infortunatum Linn. in experimental animals.

ABSTRACT

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most common non-communicable disease of the modern world. The study of plants having antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic activities may give a new approach in the treatment of DM. The study was intended to evaluate the antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic activity of ethanolic extract of Clerodendrum infortunatum Linn. (EECL) in alloxan-induced diabetic albino rats. Methods: Diabetes was induced in albino rats by administration of alloxan monohydrate (160 mg/kg, intraperitoneal). Rats were divided into six groups of six animals each. First group served as non-diabetic control, second group as diabetic control, third group as standard and was treated with 0.1 mg/kg/day of glibenclamide. Group 4, 5, and 6 received 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight of EECL. Blood samples were analyzed for blood glucose on day 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 and lipid profile on day 28. Results: The EECL showed a significant reduction (p<0.001) in blood glucose level and serum lipid profile levels with 400 mg/kg body weight in alloxan induced diabetic rats as compared with control. Conclusion: It is concluded that EECL is effective in controlling blood glucose levels and in improving lipid profile in diabetic rats.