Anti-diabetic Activity of Roots of Quercus Infectoria Olivier in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

The methanolic extract of roots of Quercus infectoria Olivier at a dose of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg body weight respectively was tested for anti-diabetic activity in Alloxan-induced hyperglycaemic rats. The blood glucose levels were measured at 0, 2h, 4h and 6h after the treatment. The methanolic extract reduced the blood glucose Alloxaninduced diabetic rats from 285.52 to 206.57mg/dl, 6h after oral administration of extract (P<0.01). The antidiabetic activity of methanolic extract of Quercus infectoria Olivier was compared with glibenclamide, an oral hypoglycaemic agent (3mg/kg). INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus is a complex and a multifarious group of disorders that disturbs the metabolism of carbohydrates, fat and protein. It results from shortage or lack of insulin secretion or reduced sensitivity of the tissue to insulin. Diabetes mellitus is a major endocrine disorder affecting nearly 10% of the population all over the world . Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in humans and animals. The presence of diabetes confers increased risk of many devastating complications such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD), peripheral vascular diseases (PVD), complications such as coronary artery disease (CAD), stroke, neuropathy, renal failure, retinopathy amputations and blindness . Insulin and various types of hypoglycemic agents such as biguanides and sulfonylureasa are available for the treatment of diabetes. However, none of these medications is ideal due to toxic side effects and in some cases diminution of response after prolonged use . Medicinal plants and their bioactive constituents are used for the treatment of diabetes throughout the world, especially in countries where access to the conventional antidiabetic agents is inadequate. Although several medicinal plants have gained importance for the treatment of diabetes, many remain to be scientifically investigated . Laboratories are conducting research on these medicinal plants in a scientific manner for the development of alternative drugs and strategies for better management of diabetes. Quercus infectoria Olivier (Fagaceae) is a small tree found in India, Greece, and Iran. In Asian countries, the whole plant parts of Q. infectoria have been used for centuries in oriental traditional medicines for treating various diseases . The plant Q. infectoria have also been pharmacologically documented to possess astringent, antidiabetic , antitremorine, local anaesthetic , antiviral , antibacterial , antifungal , larvicidal 12 and antiinflammatory 13 activities. The main constituents found in the roots of Q. infectoria are tannin (50-70%), terpenoids and small amounts of free gallic acid and ellagic acid .