Antidiabetic activity of flower head petroleum ether extracts of sphaeranthus indicus Linn

A study of ancient literature indicates that diabetes was fairly well known and well conceived as an entity in India. The nature has provided abundant plant wealth for all the living creatures, which possess medicinal virtues. Therefore, there is a necessity to explore their uses and to conduct pharmacognostic and pharmacological studies to ascertain their therapeutic properties. In fact, nowadays diabetes is a global problem. Hence, the present study aims to open new avenues for the improvement of medicinal uses of Sphaeranthus indicus for the selected area for diabetes. Another important objective of such study is to bring the anti-diabetic medicinal plants sector on a firm scientific footing, raise awareness and add value to the resource. Dried petroleum ether (60-80°C) extracts of flower head of Sphaeranthus indicus were subjected for hypoglycemic activity in wistar rats (150-200 g). Blood sugar level was determined using digital glucometer. The oral administration of flower head extracts at doses of 200 mg kg −1 lead to a significant blood glucose reduction. This laid the foundation to study the active compounds of such anti-diabetic plants that are responsible for the hypoglycemic activities. It also proves the traditional claim of Bundelkhand region with regard to Sphaeranthus indicus for its anti-diabetic activity.