No abstract

Medicinal plants are becoming very popular for the treatment of different diseases all over the world. The present study was conducted during January 2009 to June 2009 and investigated the effects of Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) leaves, methi (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds in terms of their hypoglycemic activity compared to Glimepiride (Amaryl®, Aventies Pharmaceuticals). Diabetes was induced experimentally in the rats with Streptozotocin (STZ; 55 mg/kg, i.p.). Stevia, methi, combination of stevia-methi extracts and Amaryl® tablet were orally administered daily at the rate of 100mg/kg, 500mg/kg, 500mg/kg and 800μg/kg respectively after 15 days of STZ injection for a period of 60 days. Changes in the blood glucose levels and body weights were measured and the results were compared statistically. The combined stevia-methi extract showed potent hypoglycemic effect than stevia and methi alone. STZ-induced body weight loss was improved in all groups except stevia treatment group. DOI = 10.3329/bjvm.v8i1.8351 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2010). 8(1): 57-61