Anti-Diabetic Potential of Murraya Koenigii (L.) and its Antioxidant Capacity in Nicotinamide-Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aims to investigate whether the antihyperglycemic effect of Murraya koenigii is mediated by antioxidant properties and insulin mimetic effect.

METHODS

Thirty Spraque-Dawley rats were induced hyperglycemia by streptozotocin and nicotinamide (STZ-NA). The STZ-NA diabetic rats were treated with an ethanolic extract of Murraya koenigii 200 mg/kg b.w and 400 mg/kg b.w. One group was treated with glibenclamide (1 mg/kg b.w). After the administration of Murraya koenigii extract and glibenclamide for four weeks, the rats were sacrificed. Blood and organ samples were collected under a fasting condition. The body weight and blood glucose levels were measured. Hepatic enzymes were determined using a commercial kit, protein levels were estimated by Bradford's method, and plasma insulin was assayed by an ELISA kit. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were estimated by the TBA-Wills method and Ellman's method, respectively.

RESULTS

Ethanolic extract of Murraya koenigii showed a significant reduction in blood glucose level at both doses, 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. In addition, Murraya koenigii exhibited a profound antioxidant effect with decreased MDA level and increased GSH level, particularly at the 200 mg/kg b.w. and significantly decreased the HOMA-IR index.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study reveals that Murraya koenigii possesses antidiabetic activity and antioxidant effects on STZ-NA induced diabetes mellitus.