AIM: To evaluate the effect of an active fraction from Leptadenia reticulata leaves on serum glucose and lipid profile in normal and diabetic rats. METHOD: Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin in Wistar rats. Petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, and ethanol extracts of Leptadenia reticulata leaves were administered orally at a dose of 200 mg·kg(-1), p.o. Metformin was used as standard anti diabetic drug (50 mg·kg(-1), p.o). The extract showing higher antidiabetic activity was subjected to column chromatography and led to the isolation of an active fraction, which was given trivial name Lr-1. Lr-1 (100 mg·kg(-1), p.o.) was studied for its hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic potential. RESULTS: The ethanol extract was found to lower the FBG level significantly (P < 0.05) in diabetic rats. Lr-1 caused a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in FBG level, and additionally it caused reduction in cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and an improvement in the HDL level in diabetic rats. CONCLUSION Reduction in the FBG, cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and an improvement in the HDL by Lr-1 indicates that Lr-1 has antidiabetic activity, along with cardioprotective potential, and provides a scientific rationale for the use as an antidiabetic agent.
Animals ; Apocynaceae ; Blood Glucose ; metabolism ; Cholesterol ; blood ; Cholesterol, HDL ; blood ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; blood ; drug therapy ; Hypoglycemic Agents ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Lipids ; blood ; Male ; Phytotherapy ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Plant Leaves ; Rats, Wistar ; Triglycerides ; blood