Antidiabetic and Hypolipidemic Activity of Citrus medica Linn. Seed Extract in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

Introduction: The objective of the present investigation was to evaluate the antidiabetic and hypolipidemic activity of petroleum ether extract of Citrus medica Linn. seeds in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic model in rats. Methods: The study was carried out using albino rats of either sex weighing 150-200 gm. One group was selected as control group (buffer alone) and four groups of STZ induced diabetic rats (n = 5 in each group) were administered vehicle (1% tween 80), seed extract (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) of C. medica Linn. and standard drug glibenclamide (5 mg/ kg) for 15 days after 10 days of single dose of STZ (60 mg/kg) intraperitoneal administration. Blood samples were collected by retro-orbital puncture and were analyzed for blood glucose, serum cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL and VLDL on days 0, 3, 10 and 25 by using diagnostic kit. Results: The petroleum ether extract of C. medica Linn. seeds (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) induced significant reduction (p < 0.05) of fasting blood glucose, serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides, LDL and VLDL in dose dependent manner after 15 days of drug administration. Though 200 mg/kg/day seed extract for 15 days was not showing any change in HDL level, while 400 mg/kg/day dose significantly increased HDL level in diabetic rats. Conclusion: So it is concluded that C. medica Linn. seeds have significant antidiabetic, hypocholesterolemic and hypolipidemic activity.