Effect of an active fraction isolated from the leaf extract of Leptadenia reticulata on plasma glucose concentration and lipid profile in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of an active fraction from Leptadenia reticulata leaves on serum glucose and lipid profile in normal and diabetic rats.

METHODS

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.

CONCLUSIONS

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.