Biochemical study on the hypoglycaemic effects of extract and fraction of Acacia catechu willd in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Various extracts including petroleum ether, chloroform, acetone, ethanol, aqueous and crude aqueous of barks of Acacia catechu (A. catechu) Willd (Leguminosae) and the two fractions of ethanolic extract were tested for antihyperglycaemic activity in glucose-loaded hyperglycaemic rats. The effective extract and fraction of A. catechu were subjected to antidiabetic study in alloxan-induced diabetic rats at two dose levels, 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. Biochemical parameters, including glucose, urea, creatinine, serum cholesterol, serum triglyceride, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), haemoglobin and glycosylated haemoglobin were also assessed. The ethanolic extract of A. catechu and the water insoluble fraction of ethanolic extract exhibited significant anti-hyperglycaemic activity and produced dosedependent hypoglycemia in fasted normal rats. Treatment of diabetic rats with ethanolic extract and water-insoluble fraction of this plant restored the elevated biochemical parameters significantly (p<0.05) to the normal level. Comparatively, the water insoluble fraction of ethanolic extract was more effective than the ethanolic extract and the activity was comparable to that of the standard, glibenclamide (5 mg/kg).