In this study, we investigated the protective effects of
Hedera nepalensis
crude extract, its fractions and lupeol in
alloxan-induced diabetic
rats. Lupeol and n-
hexane (HNN) fraction significantly reduced the
blood glucose level by increasing
insulin level in
time dependent manner, and also significantly increased
amylase and
lipase activity in diabetic
rats. Elevated levels of
alanine transaminases (ALT),
aspartate transaminases (AST),
thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (
TBARS),
nitrite,
hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), total
bilirubin and total
protein in
blood serum were efficiently restored to normal levels. Suppressed enzymatic activity of
catalase (
CAT),
superoxide dismutase (SOD),
reduced glutathione (GSH) and
peroxidase (POD) were also restored to their normal levels.
Kidney functions were also restored to normal level
after treatment with HNN and lupeol. HNN fraction and lupeol of H. nepalensis prevented
oxidative stress in
alloxan-induced diabetic
rats. This study signifies the importance of H. nepalensis and lupeol in ameliorating diabetes by inducing
insulin secretion in diabetic model
rats.