Evaluation of efficacy of Bombax ceiba extract and its major constituent, mangiferin in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats

Objectives Based on the ethno-medicinal use of Bombax ceiba leaf, in the treatment of diabetes, the present study is aimed at evaluation of antidiabetic potential of leaf extract and its major constituent mangiferin. Methods Efficacy of hydroalcoholic extract of Bombax ceiba leaf (BCL, 200 and 400 mg/kg body wt.) and mangiferin (MF, 20 mg/kg body wt) was studied in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats and associated complications visually, retinopathy, cardiopathy and nephropathy. After 20 days, serum glucose, lipid profiles, glycol-hemoglobin % (HbA1c%), liver enzymes activity and glycogen content, and histopathology of the pancreas were corroborated. The study was coxswained for development of validated RP-HPLC method for the estimation of MF in BCL. Results The results demonstrated significant reductions in the levels of glucose (p<0.001), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c%, p<0.001), cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins, and concurrent elevation of high density lipoproteins level in the groups administered BCL and MF relative to the controls. It significantly reversed most of the altered metabolic and oxidative stress parameters and histopathological changes. Mangiferin content in BCL was found to be 0.04%w/w. Conclusions The anti-diabetic effects of BCL may be attributed to its ability to enhance insulin release, antioxidant and hypolipidemic potential.

Keywords: Bombax ceiba; HbA1c; RP-HPLC; antidiabetic activity; mangiferin.