EVALUATION OF ANTIDIABETIC,ANTIHYPERLIPIDEMIC AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF THE METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF Bauhinia variegata AND Enterolobium cyclocarpum LEAVES IN STREPTOZOTOCIN DIABETIC RATS

Abstract

Hypoglycemic action of methanolic extracts of Bauhinia variegata and Enterolobium cyclocarpum leaves were studied on streptozotocin diabetic rats. Two different doses(200 and 400 mg/kg body weight)of the extracts were given orally to the rats for 22 days. Lipid profile improvement and hepatoprotective effects against liver disorders associated with diabetic complications were also studied .Results revealed that Bauhinia variegata extract showed a strong antidiabetic activity at the two doses. The doses of 400mg/kg b.wt. showed the highest activity. Enterolobium cyclocarpum extract at the two doses failed to decrease blood glucose level to the healthy range. The mode of Hypoglycemic action of Bauhinia variegata extract may due to the presence of considerable amounts of Flavonoids and polyphenols. The two extracts (Bauhinia variegata and Enterolobium cyclocarpum) could improve lipid profile of diabetic rats and Enterolobium cyclocarpum had weaker ability. Bauhinia variegata methanolic extract resulted in significant decrease in liver malondialdehyde (MDA)and increase in reduced glutathione (GSH) .