Antidiabetic effect of a leucocyanidin derivative isolated from the bark of Ficus bengalensis Linn.

A dimethoxy derivative of leucocyandin 3-O-beta-D-galactosyl cellobioside isolated from the bark of F. bengalensis Linn demonstrated antidiabetic action. On oral administration, it decreased blood sugar very significantly both in normal and moderately diabetic rats and increased serum insulin significantly in the latter at a dosage of 250 mg/kg for a 2 hr period. During one month treatment of the diabetic rats orally with the active principle, at a dosage of 100 mg/kg, there was a significant decrease in blood and urine sugar, certain lipid components in serum and tissues and glucose-6-phosphatase activity in liver, but significant increase in body weight and the activities of hexokinase and HMGCOA reductase in tissues as compared to diabetic control. The mechanism of action of the principle may be related to its protective/inhibitory action against the insulin degradative processes.