The hypoglycemic effect of gynostema pentaphylum on mouse and rat

ABSTRACT

Primary study showed hypoglycemic effect of gynostema pentaphyllum (GP) on mice. Objective: (I) To determine the hypoglycemic effect of (GP) and (2) To look for effective mechanism of GP on normal and diabetic mice and rats. Method: The ethanol extract of GP were introdiced to normal and pre diabetic & diabectic mice or rats. The blood glucose levels were measured at just (0h) before and at 2h, 4h and 6h after oral use or 1h, 2h and 3h after intraperitoneal use of GP. Results: On normal mice, 300 mg/kg-ip of GP decreased the blood glucose level with max. 33% at 3rd hour; 1500 mg/kg-po. with 20% at 6th hour; the dose of 500 mg/kg x 7 days consecutive decreased this level with 24%. On normal Wistar rats 500 mg/kg-po, diminished glycemia with max. 20% at 4th hour. But on genetic diabetic rats (GK rats), the doses 500 mg/kg-po, and 1000 mg/kg-po, decreased the blood glucose concentrations by 22% and 36%, respectively at the same time. In the glucose toleance test on mice the dose 1000 mg/kg-po, inhibited the hyperglycemic effect with 55% (after 30 minutes) and 63% (after 60 minutes) in comparison to control group. Conclusion: GP has the mild hypoglycemic effect on normal mouse/rat, but it causes more higher effect on mouse/rat having hyperglycemia. Thus, beside the insulin secreting stimulation, GP may sensitive the target tissues to insulin.