Evaluation of antihyperglycemic and antioxidant activities of Saraca asoca (Roxb.) De Wild leaves in streptozotocin induced diabetic mice

ObjectiveTo investigate the antihyperglycemic and antioxidant properties of the petroleum Ether, chloroform and methanol extract ofSaraca asoca (Roxb.) De Wild (S. asoca) leaves in mice.MethodsSwiss albino mice were made diabetic by a single dose of streptozotocin (150 mg/kg i.p.). Blood glucose levels and body weights of mice were measured using on weekly intervals i.e. day 0, 7, 14 and 21 after daily administration of all extracts at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg. Other biochemical parameters such as serum cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, urea, creatinin and proteins levels were also measured at the end of study. The effects of all extracts were also noticed on vital organs e.g. liver, kidney and pancreas. The antioxidant potential of all extracts was also determined by DPPH and H2O2 radical scavenging in vitro methods.ResultsOral administration of the extracts for 21 days caused a significant (P <0.01) reduction in blood glucose levels in diabetic mice. Among all the extracts, methanol extract showed better results. The body weight of diabetic animals was also improved after daily administration of extracts. All the extracts also improved other altered biochemical parameters associated with diabetes. Furthermore, the extracts have favorable effects on the histopathological changes of the pancreas, liver and kidney in STZ induced diabetic mice. All the extracts showed significant (P <0.05) antioxidant activity at the dose of 500 µg/ml.ConclusionsS. asoca possesses antihyperglycemic and antioxidant properties as well improves body weight, liver profile, renal profile and total lipid levels. It can justify folklore uses of the plant in diabetes.