Effect of Leaves of Carissa spinarum Linn. on Blood Glucose and Lipid Profile in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

Objective: The aim of the study is to analyze the antidiabetic effect of oral administration of acetone extract of Carissa spinarum (C. spinarum) leaves on blood glucose, haemoglobin, plasma insulin and lipid peroxidation to alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Method: Diabetes mellitus was induced by injection of alloxan (150mg/kg body weight), via the intraparitoneally. The extract was administered orally at 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight (both to normal and diabetic rats), and glimepiride at 2g/kg body weight. Results: Acute toxicity study shows acetonic extract is safe or non toxic even at the dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight. The effect of the extract at a dose of 600 mg/kg body weight was highly significant than 200mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and Glimepiride 2 g/kg body weight. Administration of the extract at various doses and glimepiride tends to significantly bring the FBG level to normal. Urine sugar also tends to decrease at different doses of acetonic extract of C. Spinarum, The effect of C. spinarum extract on Cholesterol, Triglyceride, LDL and VLDL values increased significantly in diabetic rats, whereas HDL values decreased significantly in diabetic rats. C. spinarum extract treatment decreased the Cholesterol, Triglyceride, LDL and VLDL values and increased the HDL values significantly in diabetic treated rats. Conclusions: Our results suggest that acetonic extract of C. spinarum exhibit antihyperglycemic as well as antihyperlipidaemic effects on alloxan-induced diabetic rats.