Effect of Gymnema sylvestre R. Br. leaves extract on certain physiological parameters of diabetic rats

Gymnema sylvestre R. Br. (G. sylvestre) belonging to the family Asclepiadaceae, has been used as a traditional medicine plant in Africa, Australia and Asia especially in India.Aim of the studyThe present study aimed to clarify the effect of G. sylvestre leaves extract on several physiological parameters of diabetic rats.Materials and methodsG. sylvestre leaves extract (18 mg/kg body weight) was orally administered for 30 days to normal and streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats.ResultsSTZ-diabetic rats exhibited a significant increase in plasma glucose, liver function enzymes [alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransaminase (AST)], triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol malondialdehyde, catalase, reduced glutathione and a significant decrease in insulin, HDL-cholesterol and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase levels. Treatment diabetic rats with G. sylvestre leaves extract significantly decreased plasma glucose, ALT, AST, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, malondialdehyde and significantly increased insulin, HDL-cholesterol and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase levels compared to untreated diabetic rats.ConclusionIt could be concluded that G. sylvestre leaves extract treated diabetic rats’ complications including hyperglycemia, hypoinsulinemia, hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress.