Anti-diabetic activity of stem bark of Berberis aristata D.C in alloxan induced diabetic rats

Abstract

Objective- Anti-diabetic activity of stem bark of Berberis aristata D.C. in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Material and methods- Albino rats were divided into 5 groups. n=5 named as a, b, c, d and e. Group a and b served as normal and diabetic group. C is served as standard group and received standard antidiabetic drug Glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) group d and e served as treated group and received ethanolic extract of B. aristata in the dose of (14.85 and 34.66 mg/kg b.w.). Blood glucose and other parameter except liver glycogen and body weight were estimated by the commercial kit (Span diagnostic Pvt. Ltd, Surat). The effect of the ethanol extract of stem bark of B. aristata and Glibenclamide on the level of serum glucose serum cholesterol, serum protein, total lipids, liver glycogen and body weight were compared in alloxan induced diabetic rats. The different extracts of stem bark of B. aristata were tested for its anti- diabetic activity using glucose tolerance test in fasted rats. Result- The results showed all the two doses of B. aristata and Glibenclamide produced a significant reduction in the level of serum glucose, serum cholesterol, serum protein, serum total lipids, serum urea, liver glycogen and body weight relative to the control group. Conclusion- B. aristata has a significant anti-diabetic activity. The ethanol extract of B. aristata is very promising to develop standardized phytomedicine for diabetes mellitus.