Isolation, characterization of syringin, phenylpropanoid glycoside from Musa paradisiaca tepal extract and evaluation of its antidiabetic effect in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Nature still serves as the major source for the cure of various ailments. More than 80% of people are utilizing plants as part of their routine health management. Although phytotherapy continues to be used in several countries, only few plants have received scientific or medical scrutiny. Musa species is widely distributed in tropical regions and used in folk medicine for various treatments. Recently, we have reported the antidiabetic effects of Musa paradisiaca tepal extract (MPTE) in STZ-induced diabetic rats. In the present study, we have isolated and characterized syringin, a phenyl propanoid glucoside from MPTE and evaluated its antidiabetic efficacy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Syringin was isolated from MPTE and characterized using spectral studies. Diabetic rats were administered 50 mg/kg per day syringin orally for 30 days. After experimental period, rats were sacrificed and blood was collected for important biochemical parameters such as blood glucose, insulin, hemoglobin, HbA_1c, total protein, urea, uric acid and creatinine. Serum aminotransferases and alkaline phosphatases were assayed. The data revealed the presence of phenylpropanoid glycoside, syringin in MPTE. Elevated blood glucose and HbA_1c levels, the reduced plasma insulin and hemoglobin levels in diabetic rats were significantly reversed to near normal after oral administration of syringin. Plasma protein, blood urea, serum creatinine and uric acid levels were also normalized after treatment. The altered activities of serum transaminases and alkaline phosphatases were normalized upon syringin treatment indicating its nontoxic nature. The presence of syringin in the tepal extract may account for its antidiabetic potential.