Antidiabetic, hypolipidemic and histopathological analysis of Gymnema sylvestre (R. Br) leaves extract on streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Objective

To investigate antidiabetic, hypolipidemic histopathological analysis of Gymnema sylvestre methanolic extract (GSME) in streptozotocin induced diabetic rat by administering oral doses (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight).

Methods

Blood glucose levels were measured using blood glucose test strips with elegance glucometer on weekly intervals till the end of study (i.e. four weeks). Blood glucose, urine sugar, triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) were determined in normal and streptozotocin induced diabetic rats after oral administration of the extract for 28 days. Histopathological changes in diabetic rat organs (pancreas, liver, and kidney) were also observed after extract treatment.

Results

Daily oral administration GSME (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) and glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) showed beneficial effects on blood glucose level (P < 0.01) and hyperlipidaemia due to diabetes. The extract treatment also showed to enhance serum insulin level and body weight of diabetic rats as compared to diabetic control group. Furthermore, the extract has a favorable effect on the histopathological studies, in streptozotocin induced diabetes.

Conclusions

G. sylvestre possesses antidiabetic property as well improve body weight, and total lipid levels. GSME has also favorable effect to inhibit the histopathological changes in streptozotocin-induced diabetes.