Antidiabetic effect of Ficus religiosa extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Aims of studyIn Indian traditional system of medicine, Ficus religiosa (Family Moraceae) is prescribed for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. In the present study, the antidiabetic effect of aqueous extract of Ficus religiosa bark (FRAE) was investigated in normal, glucose-loaded hyperglycemic and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.Materials and methodsOral administration of FRAE at the doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg was studied in normal, glucose-loaded and STZ-diabetic rats.ResultsThe three doses caused significant reduction in blood glucose levels in all the models. The effect was more pronounced in 50 and 100 mg/kg than 25 mg/kg. FRAE also showed significant increase in serum insulin, body weight and glycogen content in liver and skeletal muscle of STZ-induced diabetic rats while there was significant reduction in the levels of serum triglyceride and total cholesterol. FRAE also showed significant antilipidperoxidative effect in the pancreas of STZ-induced diabetic rats. The antidiabetic effect of Ficus religiosa was compared with glibenclamide, a well-known hypoglycemic drug.ConclusionThe results indicate that aqueous extract of Ficus religiosa bark possesses significant antidiabetic activity.

Oral administration of aqueous extract of stem bark of Ficus religiosa (FRAE) for 21 days caused significant decrease in blood glucose levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide