Phytochemical Sreening and Antidiabetic Antioxidant Effect of Ecbolium Ligustrinum Flowers Extracts

The antidiabetic and antioxidant activity of Ecbolium ligustrinum (family:Acanthaceae) was investigated in alloxan induced diabetic albino rats. A comparison was made between both plant extracts and a known antidiabetic drug Glibenclamide (5mg/kg body weight). The dried flowers of Ecbolium ligustinum was subjected to extraction by continuous hot extraction method using hydroalcohol and chloroform as a solvent and were subjected to standardization using pharmacognostical and phytochemical screening. Phytochemical estimation was done for the presence of vital phytoconstituents by T.L.C method. Dose selection was made on the basis of acute oral toxicity study (H.E.A 300 mg/kg body weight C.E 200 mg/kg body weight) as per OECD and CPCSEA guidelines. Oral administration of extract of Ecbolium Ligustrinum for 21 days resulted in significant reduction in blood glucose level. Alloxan induced diabetic rat model was used for evaluation of antidiabetic activity. Biochemical parameters were analysed in support of antidiabetic activity. Antioxidant activity was assessed by the lipid peroxidation (LPO) in liver. The antioxidant enzymes Catalase (CAT), Reduced Glutathione (GSH), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) in liver were decreased. With histopatholgical studies on pancreas and liver hydroalcoholic extract given more effect in comparison to chloroform extract in lowering blood glucose and oxidant levels. The plant has hypoglycaemic and antioxidant effect. Key worlds: E. Ligustrinum, acute toxicity study, alloxan, antioxidant study.