Article · Volume 3, Issue 1 · pp. 30–34
The study of aqueous extract of Ficus religiosa Linn. on cytokine TNF-α in type 2 diabetic rats
H. Kirana1, M. V. Jali1, B. P. Srinivasan2
- 1T.V.M. College of Pharmacy, Gandhi Nagar, Bellary-583 103
- 2Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (DIPSAR), M.B. Road, Sector-III, Pushp Vihar, New Delhi-110 017, India
Abstract
Background Chronic systemic inflammation is an early process in pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Hence the present study was aimed to investigate the effect of traditionally known plant Ficus religiosa on elevated glucose and inflammatory marker namely tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in type 2 diabetic rats. Methods Type 2 diabetes was induced by administering streptozotocin (90 mg/kg, i.p.) in neonatal rat model. Aqueous extract of F. religiosa at a dose of 100 and 200 mg/ kg was given orally to desired group of animals for a period of 4 weeks. After 4 weeks of drug treatment, parameters such as fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose and TNF-α in serum were analyzed. Results Aqueous extract of F. religiosa at both dose levels i.e., 100 and 200 mg/kg decreased the elevated glucose and TNF-α in type 2 diabetic rats. The extract at 200 mg/kg had more pronounced effect. Conclusion Modulation of cytokine TNF-α by the aqueous extract of F. religiosa indicates that the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory property of the plant is related with its potential anti-diabetic activity.
Keywords: Ficus religiosa; inflammation; TNF-α; type 2 diabetes
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