Antidiabetic Activity of Ficus gibbosa Blume Extracts in Streptozotocin–Nicotinamide-induced Diabetes in Sprague Dawley Rats

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the antidiabetic activity of hydroalcoholic extracts of Ficus gibbosa Blume (leaves and stem bark) in streptozotocin–nicotinamide induced diabetic rats. Materials and methods: The animals were rendered diabetic by single intraperitoneal injections of nicotinamide (195 mg/kg body weight) followed by streptozotocin (65 mg/kg body weight). Induction of experimental diabetes was confirmed by blood glucose analysis. The test extracts were used at 3-dose levels viz., low dose (100 mg/kg body weight), average dose (250 mg/kg body weight and high dose (500 mg/kg body weight). Male Sprague Dawley rats were used in the experiment, each containing 6 animals. Oral glucose tolerance test was carried out 7 days post test extract administration at 3 doses. The diabetic animals were given the test extracts at different doses for a period of 5 weeks and blood sugar was evaluated at weekly intervals. Results: Both leaves and stem bark extracts of Ficus gibbosa Blume significantly reduced the elevated blood glucose levels at 60- and 120-minute postglucose overload. The test extracts showed significant antidiabetic activity against streptozotocin- and nicotinamide-induced diabetes in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Conclusion: The extracts of Ficus gibbosa Blume showed significant antidiabetic activity against experimental type 2 diabetes in SD rats.