Antidiabetic Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Semecarpus Anacardium (linn.) Stem Barks in Normal and Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

The present study was designed to evaluate antidiabetic effects of ethanolic extract of Semecarpus anacardium (SA) stem barks in normal and alloxan induced diabetes rats. The antidiabetic effect of extract was evaluated investigated by measuring fasting blood glucose level and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in normal and alloxan induced diabetes animal models. Here metformin (150 mg/kg) was used as reference drugs for comparison. The extract significantly (P<0.05) reduced blood sugar level in alloxan induced diabetic (hyperglycaemic) and glucose induced hyperglycemic (normo-hyperglycaemic) rats when given orally at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight respectively. The glucose tolerance results showed the ethanolic extract significantly improved 55% and 68% at the dose of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight (b. wt.) whereas metformin showed 80% of that. The phytochemical screening of the plant S. anacardium stem bark showed the presence of steroids, triterpenoids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins and tannins. However a glucose tolerance hypoglycemic test is comparable to diabetic control group and effect is a dose dependent. The findings of this experimental animal study indicate that S. anacardium stembark ethanolic extract possesses antidiabetic properties; and thus lend pharmacological credence to folkloric; ethnomedical uses of the plant in the treatment and/or management type 2 diabetes mellitus. INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus (DM), a major metabolic disorder in the endocrine system, is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, alterations in carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism. It is becoming the third “killer” of mankind after cancer and cardiovascular diseases, because of its high prevalence, morbidity and mortality . The chronic hyperglycemia of diabetes is associated with long term damage, dysfunction and failure of various organs . The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) measures the body's ability to use a type of sugar, called glucose, which is the body's main source of energy. OGTT, a test of immense value and sentiment, in favor of using fasting plasma glucose concentration alone was seen as a practical attempt to simplify and facilitate the diagnosis of diabetes. Most commonly employed oral hypoglycemic agents are sulfonylureas and biguanides. These drugs however, have disadvantages such as primary and secondary failure of efficacy as well as the potential for induction of severe hypoglycemia. Despite the introduction of hypoglycemic agents from natural and synthetic sources, diabetes and its