Evaluation of Antidiabetic Potential of Nymphaea Nouchali Burm. F. Seeds in Stz - Induced Diabetic Rats

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the antihyperglycaemic activity of hydroalcohol extract of Nymphaea nouchali seeds (NN) in streptozotocin (STZ) – induced diabetic rats. Methods: Acute oral toxicity study was carried out in normal female rats. Male sprague dawley rats were rendered diabetic by STZ (50 mg/kg b.wt. i.p.). At a dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg of body weight, NN extract was administered orally to diabetic rats for 21 days. Metformin was used as a standard drug at a dose of 250 mg/kg b.wt. The antihyperglycaemic activity was determined by estimating various biochemical parameters. Results: Oral administration of NN extract showed significant restoration of blood glucose level to normal. After 21 days of treatment, level of blood glucose, lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglyceride), hepatic and renal markers (SGOT, SGPT, γGT, ALP, bilirubin, creatinine and BUN) significantly decreased when compared with the diabetic control. Concurrent histopathological studies of the heart and liver revealed normal histological pattern in the normal and extract-treated groups. Conclusion: Lowering of blood glucose and other associated markers suggest that NN extract possess potent antidiabetic acitivty and hence confirms the traditional usage of this plant in the management of diabetes. However, histopathological examination of the pancreas suggests that this activity is brought by extrapancreatic mechanisms. Further, the exact mechanism of its action is yet to be elucidated.