Antidiabetic Efficacy of Enicostemma littorale Methanol Extract in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

The glucose lowering and antioxidant effect of a methanol extract of Enicostemma littorale Blume was evaluated in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Administration of methanol extract (2.5 g/kg body weight/day) to diabetic rats for 20 days reduced blood glucose levels from 466.50 ± 37.07 to 237.20 ± 28.22 (P < 0.01). E. littorale also increased the serum insulin levels of diabetic rats and improved the antioxidant status of diabetic rats. Extract treatment to the diabetic rats significantly increased reduced glutathione levels and decreased erythrocyte catalase activity and lipid peroxidation. These results support the use of E. littorale as an antidiabetic agent by traditional healers in rural pockets of Gujarat.