Abstract

ANTI-HYPERGLYCEMIC EFFECT OF 50% ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF BARLERIA CRISTATA IN ALLOXAN INDUCED DIABETIC RATS.

Kavitha P*

ABSTRACT

The plant Barleria cristata is popular in Tamilnadu and it’s used in house hold remedies. It is traditionally known for its various properties and used to treat ailments including diabetes, rheumatism, pneumonia, toothache, tuberculosis and as an antidote. The ethanolic extract of the leaves of Barleria cristata has been screened for its Anti-hyperglycemic activity. Anti-hyperglycemic activity was screened by inducing hyperglycemia with the help of Alloxan in albino rats and various parameters such as serum glucose, liver glycogen, Serum insulin, Glycosylated haemoglobin were determined. Ethanolic extract showed significant (p<0.05) anti-hyperglycemic activity by lowering the levels of blood glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin and Simultaneously increasing the levels of liver glycogen. and serum insulin in alloxan induced diabetic rats. The phytochemical constituents such as alkaloids, flavanoids and phenols present in the plant may be responsible for Anti-hyperglycemic activity and the results justify the use of Barleria cristata as a significant Anti-hyperglycemic agent.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Alloxan, Glycosylated haemoglobin, Insulin.