Antihyperglycemic activity of Areca Catechu flowers

ObjectiveTo evaluate the antidiabetic effect of Areca catechu (A. catechu) flower extracts in alloxan induced diabetic rats.MethodsPetroleum ether, ethanol and aqueous extracts of A. catechu flowers were administrated orally at the dose of 500 mg/kg for hypoglycemic effect in alloxan induced diabetic rats for 21 d. The anti-diabetic potential was validated through various biochemical parameters and body weight.ResultsThe results revealed that, the ethanol and aqueous extracts of A. catechu flowers have shown a significant antidiabetic efficacy in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Further, this is confirmed by significantly restoring the levels of biochemical parameters and improvement in body weight. Preliminary phytochemical investigation reveals high phenolic constituents in both extracts.ConclusionsThe significant antihyperglycemic effect of ethanol and aqueous extracts in alloxan induced diabetic rats could be due to high phenolic constituents by effectively reversing the levels of biochemical parameters and also improvement in body weight. So it might be of value in the treatment of diabetes.