K. Rajendran

Alcoholic Stem Extract of Coscinium fenestratum Regulates Carbohydrate Metabolism and Improves Antioxidant Status in Streptozotocin–Nicotinamide Induced Diabetic Rats

Alcoholic extract of the stems of Coscinium fenestratum, a medicinal plant indigenous to India and Sri Lanka used in ayurveda and siddha medicine for treating diabetes, was studied for its carbohydrate metabolism effect and antioxidant status in streptozotocin–nicotinamide induced type 2 diabetic rats. Oral administration of C. fenestratum stem extract in graded doses caused a significant increase in enzymatic antioxidants such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione synthetase, peroxidase, and glutathione peroxidase and in the nonenzymatic antioxidants ascorbic acid, ceruloplasmin and tocopherol. Effects of alcoholic extract on glycolytic enzymes such as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase and hexokinase showed a significant increase in their levels, whereas a significant decrease was observed in the levels of gluconeogenic enzyme, glucose-6-phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase in treated diabetic rats. Serum creatinine and urea levels also declined significantly. This investigation demonstrates significant antidiabetic activity of C. fenestratum.

Oral Antidiabetic Activity of Annona squamosa Leaf Alcohol Extract in NIDDM Rats

The leaf alcohol extract of the plant Annona squamosa was investigated for its antidiabetic activity. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was induced with standardised doses of streptozotocin and nicotinamide. Graded doses of the leaf alcohol extract suspended in gum acacia were administered to normal and experimental diabetic rats for 12 days. Fasting plasma glucose levels, serum insulin levels, serum lipid profiles and changes in body weight were evaluated in normal rats while liver glycogen levels and pancreatic TBARS levels were evaluated additionally in diabetic rats. The diabetic groups treated with the leaf alcohol extract were compared with standard glibenclamide. The findings showed the significant antidiabetic potential of the extract in ameliorating the diabetic conditions in diabetic rats. No significant effects were found in the normal rats.

Studies of disintegrant properties of seed mucilage of Ocimum gratissimum

Dispersible tablets of Metformin Hydrochloride were prepared using Ocimum gratissimum mucilage powder and Ocimum gratissimum seed powder as disintegrants. Specifications for herbal raw materials and finished products were set according to the Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products. Several formulations were prepared and evaluated for physical parameters such as thickness, hardness, friability, weight variation, drug content, and disintegration time and drug dissolution. The formulations were prepared with different proportions of Ocimum gratissimum mucilage powder and Ocimum gratissimum seed powder. The formulated tablets had good appearance and better drug release properties as compared to the marketed conventional tablets. The study revealed that Ocimum gratissimum mucilage powder and Ocimum gratissimum seed powder were effective as disintegrants in low concentrations (5%). The study further revealed a poor relation between the swelling index and disintegrating efficiency. Mucilage extracted from Ocimum gratissimum seeds was subjected to toxicity studies for its safety and preformulation studies for its suitability as a disintegrating agent. The mucilage extracted is devoid of toxicity. Studies indicated that the extracted mucilage is a good pharmaceutical adjuvant, specifically a disintegrating agent.

Antihyperglycemic Activity of the Aqueous Stem Extract of Coscinium fenestratum. in Non–insulin Dependent Diabetic Rats

Abstract The antihyperglycemic potential of the aqueous stem extract of Coscinium fenestratum. Colebr. (Menispermaceae), a medicinal plant widely used in traditional Ayurveda and Siddha systems of medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, was evaluated in the streptozotocin-nicotinamide–induced type 2 diabetic model. Graded doses of the aqueous stem extract were administered to normal and experimental diabetic rats for 12 days. In extract-treated diabetic rats, an insulin-independent action with significant reduction in blood glucose, serum triglyceride, and cholesterol levels was observed. In addition, other parameters like change in body weight, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels, glycosylated hemoglobin and liver glycogen levels, assessed in the extract-treated diabetic rats, were compared with diabetic control and normal animals. Significant results were observed in the above parameters thereby justifying the use of the plant in the indigenous system of medicine.

Effect of Garuga pinnata. Roxb Aqueous Bark Extract on Tissue Antioxidant Activity in Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide–Induced Type II Diabetic Rats

Abstract Oxidative stress plays an important role in chronic complications of diabetes mellitus. In the current study, the antioxidant effect of oral administration of aqueous bark extract of Garuga pinnata. Roxb. (Burseraceae) on tissue antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation in liver and kidney of streptozotocin-nicotinamide–induced type II diabetic rats was evaluated. The diabetic rats showed lower activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase, glutathione transferase, and reduced glutathione content in liver and kidney, which were restored to near normal levels by treatment with the bark extract. The increased levels of lipid peroxidation (TBARS) in diabetic rats were reverted back to near normal levels after treatment with the bark extract. A two dose level study was conducted. The current study reveals the efficacy of Garuga pinnata. aqueous bark extract in the amelioration of diabetes, which may be attributed to its antioxidant potential.