Preclinical valuation of anti-hyperglycemic and antioxidant action of Nirmali (Strychnos potatorum) seeds in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic Wistar rats: A histopathological investigation

This study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of Strychnos potatorum seeds in streptozotocin-nicotinamide–induced diabetes in experimental animals. Noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) was induced in overnight fasted rats by an intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of 60 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) and, after a 15-minute interval, 120 mg/kg of nicotinamide. S. potatorum extract 200 mg/kg or 400 mg/kg body weight was administered orally to the rats once daily for 21 days. The blood glucose level was assessed by a glucometer. The serum levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and total lipid were determined by using diagnostic kits. Measurement of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione–S-transferase (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were determined to ascertain the antioxidant activity. A significant reduction in the blood glucose level was observed in diabetic animals treated with the different doses of the extract, compared to untreated diabetic rats. The treatment with the extract significantly increased the levels of GSH, GPx, GST, CAT, and SOD in the drug-treated group to levels comparable to the levels in the diabetic control group. The result of this study thus shows that 50% of the ethanolic extract at different doses possesses significant antidiabetic activity and potent antioxidant potential in diabetic conditions.