Effect of Capparis Decidua Extracts on the Serum Glucose Levels of Streptozotocin Induced Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Capparis decidua is xerophytic shrub, commonly known as Kair. The ethanolic extracts (50%) of different parts of Capparis decidua i.e. bark, fruit and flower (500 mg/kg b. wt.) were used to evaluate their glucose lowering potential. Diabetes (type 2) was induced in rats of either sex, aged 48 ± 2 hrs, were injected with Streptozotocin in citrate buffer (pH 4.5) at a dose of 90mg / kg body weight intraperitoneal route. After 12-14 weeks, animals weighing above 150 gm were selected for screening in NIDDM model, by OGTT (Oralglucose tolerance test). For this purpose, blood was taken at 0 hrs from the tail vein from overnight (12 hrs) fasted rats and they were fed glucose at a dose of 2.5 gm /kg body weight. Then blood was taken at 30, 60 and 120 minutes intervals. The rats having blood glucose level 7-12 mmol/l at 0 hours and showing highest rise at 60 minutes with the blood sugar level 234 to 360 mg/dl, which returned to their 0 hrs value at 120 minutes, were included in the study. A significant increase in the levels of serum glucose was evident in diabetic control group. The serum glucose levels reduced by 81.4%, 60.48% and 55.43% in fruit, flower and bark extract treatments respectively. These results indicate that Capparis decidua bark and fruit possess antihyperglycaemic properties.