A Constituent of Pterocarpus marsupium, (-)-Epicatechin, as a Potential Antidiabetic Agent

Abstract

An active constituent of Pterocarpus marsupium, (-)-epicetechin (1), was reported to reverse hyperglycemia in alloxan diabetic rats when given before or within 24 h after the dose of alloxan. When doses of (-)-epicatechin (30 mg/kg, i.p., twice daily for 3 days) were begun 92 h after alloxan, there was no significant difference in blood glucose levels between control and (-)-epicatechin treated rats. Although (-)-epicatechin may protect against alloxan toxicity under certain conditions, the usefulness of (-)-epicatechin appears minimal in the treatment of already established diabetic states.