Preliminary Phytochemical Studies and Evaluation of Antidiabetic Activity of Roots of Cayratia trifolia (L.) Domin in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Albino Rats

Article history: Received on: 26/01/2013 Revised on: 19/02/2013 Accepted on: 04/03/2013 Available online: 30/03/2013 The present study aims to investigate the antidiabetic activity of roots of Cayratia trifolia (L.) Domin in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Phytochemical studies showed the presence of steroids, flavonoids and alkaloids in petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts, respectively. Antidiabetic activity was evaluated by observing blood glucose levels and analyzing the serum biochemical parameters after dosing the ethyl acetate extract. Blood samples were collected from overnight fasted diabetic rats on 5, 10 and 15 days of treatment to determine blood glucose levels. On day 16, blood samples were collected to estimate the biochemical parameters. In diabetic rats, both the doses (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) of ethyl acetate extract were found to be significant (P<0.05) when compared with control and favourable changes in biochemical parameters were also observed. It can be concluded from the study that the ethyl acetate extract of roots of C. trifolia possess potent antidiabetic activity.