Protective Effect of Cleome Viscosa Extract on Diet Induced Atherosclerosis in Diabetic Rats

The atherosclerotic effect of Methanolic extract of Cleome viscosa was studied in Streptozotocin induced Diabetic Rats fed with Atherogenic Diet [1.5 ml olive oil containing 8 mg of vitamin D-2 and 40 mg cholesterol] for 5 consecutive days. Oral administration of extract to diabetic rats [250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg for 30 days] produced significant (p<0.01) fall in fasting blood glucose levels in a dose dependent manner, when compared to standard drug that is Glibinclamide (5 mg/kg). Treatment with extract 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg showed significant (P<0.01) improvement serum lipids levels that is total cholesterol, triglycerides(TG), low density lipoprotein(LDL) and very low density lipoprotein(VLDL), when compared to diabetic control. Histopathological studies of aorta also confirmed biochemical findings. Thus, our study shows that Methanolic extract of Cleome viscosa (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) significantly improves the homeostasis of glucose and fat and possess anti atherosclerotic activity.