Antidiabetic activity of water extract of Solanum trilobatum (Linn.) in alloxan-induced diabetes in rats

Abstract

The antidiabetic potential of the water extract of Solanum trilobatum L. (Solanaceae), a medicinal plant widely used in the traditional Ayurveda and Siddha systems of medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus was evaluated in the alloxan monohydrate induced diabetic model. Graded doses of the water extract were administered to normal and experimental diabetic rats for 10 days. Significant (p < 0.05) reduction in fasting blood glucose levels were observed in the normal as well as in the treated diabetic
animals. Serum insulin levels were not stimulated in the animals treated with the extract. In addition, changes in body weight, serum lipid profiles and liver glycogen levels assessed in the extract treated diabetic rats were compared with diabetic control and normal animals. Significant results were
observed in the estimated parameters, thereby justifying the use of the plant in the indigenous system of medicine.