Effects of Cinnamon Extract in Diabetic Rat Models in Comparison with Oral Hypoglycemic Drugs

.. Objective: To evaluate the anti diabetic effect of cinnamon extract in alloxan induced diabetic animal model (albino rats) in comparison with oral hypoglycemic drugs. Study Design: An Experimental study. Place of Study: Al Tibri Medical College, Isra University, Karachi Campus. Duration of Study: December 2012 to December 2013. Materials and Methods: Total 60 Albino rats of both genders were divided into 6 groups consisting of 10 rats in each group. Each group of animals was further divided into two sub groups containing 5 rats in each group Results: The results obtained from the data indicated that there is significant reduction in blood glucose level rats treated with low dose of cinnamon extract. The animals of low dose cinnamon extract (200mg/kg. bw) when compared with other groups; there is a reduction in the blood glucose level in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Also tolbutamide and acarbose treated groups showed better antidiabetic effects as compared with cinnamon extract treated groups (p value<0.007 and p value<0.012 respectively), but cinnamon extract treated group showed synergetic effects when it was given in combination with tolbutamide or acarbose having significant p value<0.001 and p value<0.011 respectively. Conclusions: Tolbutamide and Acarbose showed better anti diabetic effect in comparison with cinnamon extract treated groups when used individually. This effect was enhanced when cinnamon was used in combination with either tolbutamide or acarbose.