Anti-hyperglycemic activity of Caralluma umbellata Haw.

INTRODUCTION Hyperglycemia is a serious health problem prevailing in diabetes patients. Treatment for hyperglycemia by various oral anti-hyperglycemic drugs have associated with side effects, hence there is growing awareness towards the use of herbal products due to their efficacy, minimal side effects and relatively low costs. This study is designed to evaluate anti-hyperglycemic activity of Caralluma umbellata Haw, which is used as a traditional medicinal plant all over India through in vitro studies. METHODS Methanolic, aqueous and hydro methanolic extracts of Caralluma umbellata were prepared and studied for their anti hyperglycemic activity. The extracts were evaluated for glucose uptake in L6 myotubes in vitro. In addition, the inhibitory activity against alpha amylase and pancreatic lipase was also measured. RESULTS The methanolic extract (MCU) was found to have significant glucose uptake. Further, MCU was also found to have promising role in inhibiting alpha amylase and pancreatic lipase. CONCLUSION The results of present study shows Caralluma umbellata has potential antidiabetic property, thus providing a further scope for study in animal model and understanding the mechanism of action.