Comparative Study of Hypoglycemic Effect of Ethanolic and Hot Water Extracts of Andrographis Paniculata in Alloxan Induced Rat

The aim of present study was to investigate the potential roles of ethanolic and hot water extracts of Andrographis paniculata on reducing the blood sugar level (BSL) in alloxaninduced rats. Oral administration of ethanolic (2 g/kg b. w.) and hot water (0.8 g/kg b. w.) extracts of Andrographis paniculata showed the antidiabetic properties and decreased the blood glucose level by 33.71% (p<0.0001) and 39.69% (p<0.0001) respectively in alloxan induced (40mg/kg b.w.) rats. The results were also compared with that of diabetic control rats. INTRODUCTION: Andrographis paniculata (Burm. F.) is a member of the family Acanthaceae and has been used for centuries in Asia to treat not only one, but several types of illness . Extensive research has revealed that the plant has a wide range of pharmaceutical activities. Hepatoprotective , antiviral , antimalarial , antithrombotic , anti-clotting and cardiovascular activities 7 of Andrographis paniculata has been identified. The plant also acts as antiinflammatory 8 and immunostimulant . The plant is also safe and efficacious treatment for the relief of symptoms of uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection. The gastroprotective effect was observed due to the presence of flavonoids in the hydroalcoholic extract of Andrographis paniculata . The presence of diterpenoids such as 14deoxyandrographolide and 14-deoxy-11, 12didehydroandrographolide is responsible for the cardioprotective activity of Andrographis paniculata . The leaves contain the highest amount of andrographolide (2.39%), the most medicinally active phytochemical in the plant, while the seeds contain the lowest . The formation of free radicals such as superoxide, hydroxyl radicals, lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide in in-vivo system was inhibited by the plant . The antihyperglycemic property of Andrographis paniculata have been reported in streptozotocininduced hyperglycemic rats but enough evidence was not available to confirm the hypoglycemic activity of the various extracts on different hyperglycemic conditions. It is the aim of the present study to investigate the potential roles of ethanolic and hot water extract of Andrographis paniculata in lowering blood sugar level in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Collection of Plant Material: Andrographis paniculata plants were collected from the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhaka. The fresh leaves of Andrographis paniculata were cut into small pieces which were subjected to dry at room