Assessment of Antidiabetic Activity of Dried Juice of Andrographis Paniculata Leaves in Alloxan induced Diabetic Rats

Background: Andrographis paniculata (Acanthaceae) is an annual herb and the whole herb is traditionally reported to be used in treatment of diabetes mellitus. Objective: To investigate the anti-diabetic potential of dried juice of Andrographis paniculata leaves in alloxan induced diabetic rats as the decoction of whole plant is used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus traditionally.  Method: The fresh leaves of A. paniculata herb were collected and grinded with distilled water into a fine slurry. The resulting juice was filtered and concentrated and used for the study. Three doses (50mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg) of dried juice of leaves were orally administered to the diabetic rats to evaluate blood glucose lowering effect. Metformin hydrochloride drug (120mg/kg) was used as a reference standard. The blood glucose level was measured at 0, 1, 3 and 5 hours after the treatment. Results: After single administration of dried juice of leaves with 50 mg/kg dose there was significant reduction of blood glucose level at 3rd and 5th hour of administration and the % reduction was 24.8 and 37.51 respectively. Similarly 100mg/kg of extract dose showed significant reduction in blood glucose level at1st, 3rd and 5th hour of administration with % reduction of 20.6, 35.2 and 48.28 respectively whereas 200 mg/kg dose caused significant reduction in blood glucose level after 1st, 3rd and 5th hour of intervals and the % reduction was of 21.48, 41.0 and 52.6 respectively.  Conclusion: All the three doses of dried juice (50, 100 and 200mg/kg) showed the maximum% reduction in blood glucose level after 5th hour of administration (37.51%, 48.28% and 52.6% respectively) as compared with diabetic control. This in vivo study shows that A. paniculata leaves has significant antidiabetic potential in a dose dependant manner and the results are comparable with the reference standard drug.