Anti-diabetic Activity of Diplocyclos palmatus Linn. in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice

The anti-diabetic activity of methanolic extract of seed of Diplocyclos palmatus Linn. (Cucurbetaceae) was evaluated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Methanolic extract of the seed (150 mg/kg body weight), was administered orally to male Swiss albino mice. Streptozotocin was used to induce diabetes mellitus. The anti-diabetic potential was assessed by determining oral glucose tolerance, fasting blood glucose, urine glucose, liver glycogen content, serum lipid profile, change in body weight and histopathology. Methanolic seed extract was administered to normal and experimental diabetic mice for 15 days. Significant (p < 0.001) reduction in fasting blood glucose levels was observed in the treated diabetic animals from day 7 onwards. In oral glucose tolerance test, reduction of fasting blood glucose levels was noted after 60 min of extract administration. After 15 days of treatment with extracts the maximum reduction in fasting blood glucose (53.87%) was observed in diabetic mice treated with methanolic extract 150 mg/kg. Serum lipid levels reversed towards near normal and the loss of body weight was controlled in treated mice as compared to diabetic control. The extract treatment also showed a significant increase in the liver glycogen content and gradual decrease in level of urine sugar level. Microscopically examined pancreas section of mice treated with 150 mg/kg methanolic extract showed normal architecture of pancreas. The results demonstrate that seed of Diplocyclos palmatus possesses significant anti-diabetic activity. The results suggest that Diplocyclos palmatus has anti-diabetic activity, thereby justifying its traditional use. The plant may be used in present day systems of medicine as an anti-diabetic drug.