Studies on anti-hyperglycemic effect of Euphorbia antiquorum L. root in diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the anti-hyperglycemic effect of Euphorbia antiquorum L. root.

METHODS

The study evaluates the anti-hyperglycemic effect of E. antiquorum root in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced Type 2 diabetes mellitus and fructose-induced insulin resistance models. Alcohol and aqueous extracts of E. antiquorum root were administered at doses 200 and 400 mg/kg p.o. Serum levels of glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, glycosylated hemoglobin (GHb), and hepatic levels of malondialdehyde, glutathione, and glycogen were estimated.

RESULTS

Treatment with the alcohol and aqueous extracts of E. antiquorum roots resulted in significant (P < 0.001) lowering of serum blood glucose and GHb levels in both the models. Flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and glycosides were detected in the preliminary phytochemical screening.

CONCLUSIONS

Root of E. antiquorum showed promising anti-hyperglycemic effect which may be due to the presence of important phytochemicals.