Hypoglycemic Activity of Barg-e-Arusa and Tukhm-e-Kalonji on Alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus

Diabetic problem has become more common in last few decades due to pressure of growing population, ecological disturbances and last changing life styles. Presently two main groups of substances are recognized as oral hypoglycemic agents. But they are not risk free. In Tibb-e-Unani many medicinal plants and mineral origin drugs have been mentioned by various authors in the classical literature to control diabetes. But scientific validation of their antidiabetic properties is the need of the day. Therefore, in the present study the two Unani drugs that were chosen for the assessment of hypoglycemic activity i.e. Arusa [Leaves of Adharoda vasica. Nees.] and Kalonji [seeds of Nigella sativa, Linn.] The effect of the test drug was studied in healthy adult albino rabbits of either sex weighing 1.5-2 kg. Diabetes was induced in normal rabbits by injecting alloxan monohydrate 40 mg/kg in 2% aqueous solution IV into marginal ear veins. Both the drug extracts were compared for hypoglycemic effect with a standard drug glibenclamide, which was administered in a dose of 0.5 mg/kg orally. The animals were fasted for 24 hrs. before alloxan injection. Diabetes was observed in rabbits [fasting blood glucose level ranged from 200-250 mg/l00 ml] within 24 hrs after injection of alloxan and divided into four groups i.e. Diabetic control [Distilled water]. Diabetic standard [glibenclamide], Diabetic test [Arusa], Diabetic test [Kalonji], each group consisting of 5 rabbits. The test drugs were administered to the treated group, while the vehicle was administered to the animals of control group, orally. Blood samples were obtained from the marginal ear veins at 0 hr. [initial] and 2 hrs., 3 hrs. and 6 hrs. after drug administration. Blood glucose was estimated by the end point 0-toluidine. The study revealed that the Aqueous extract of Arusa and Kalonji in the dose of 100mg/kg and 20mg/kg respectively given orally reduced the blood glucose level in alloxan induced diabetic rabbits. The significant reduction [p<0.05] in blood glucose level started after 3 hrs. which continued for 6 hrs. in both the groups