Evaluation of Anti-Diabetic Activity of Methanolic Extract from the Leaves of Rotula Aquatica Lour in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the anti-diabetic activity of methanolic extract from the leaves of Rotula aquatica lour in Alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Diabetes was induced in rat by injection of Alloxan (120 mg/kg, i.p.). Diabetic rats were divided into different groups and methanolic leaves extract of Rotula aquatica lour (RA-ME) was administered at dose ranges of 100–400 mg/kg, p.o for 21 days. Control group received normal saline (0.9%) for 21 days. Glibenclamide (5 mg/kg, p.o) was used as standard drug. Blood samples were collected from all the groups and analyzed for serum glucose and lipid levels such as total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), proteins (TP). RA-ME was also tested for oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in normal fasted rats. Results: RA-ME (400 mg/kg, p.o) showed a significant (P<0.01) reduction of serum glucose level in Alloxan-induced diabetic mice as compared with diabetic control. RA-ME (200 and 400 mg/kg) also showed a significant reduction in serum TC, TG, and TP levels in Alloxan-induced diabetic rats. RA-ME (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o) significantly (P<0.01) increased the glucose tolerance in OGTT. Conclusion: The results obtained from the present study revealed the potential anti-diabetic activity of methanolic extract from the leaves of Rotula aquatica lour.

Key words: Alloxan, Anti-diabetic, Glibenclamide, Rotula aquatica lour.