Evaluation of antidiabetic effect of embelin from Embelia ribes in alloxan induced diabetes in rats

Embelin, a major constituent of Embelia ribes is therapeutically evaluated for antihyperglycemic potential against alloxan induced diabetes in rats. Embelin (25 and 50 mg/kg b.w.) administered orally to alloxan induced diabetic rats for 21 days caused a significant reduction in fasting serum blood glucose levels and significant improvement in body weights. Significant antidiabetic effects were obtained as evident from the restoration of biochemical parameters altered by alloxan towards the normal. Almost normal histological appearance of liver, kidney and pancreas tissues were observed in treated groups. Among the two doses, 50 mg/kg b.w. showed better activity. However, the activity was found to be less than the standard glibenclamide given at 10 mg/kg b.w. dose. The results showed that embelin has potential hypoglycemic effect along with recovery of liver, kidney and pancreas functions.