Effect of aqueous root extract of Aristolochia indica (Linn) on diabetes induced rats

Aristolochia indica (Linn) commonly called Iswarmul is a rare endangered medicinal plant of India. It is reported to be stimulant, used for diarrhea and intermittent fever this plant is a remedy for, drops, loss of appetite and good for snake bite. The purpose of the present research was to evaluate the anti hyperglycemic effect of A.indica on blood glucose and also to evaluate its toxicity on liver function, kidney function, and diabetic related hormones like insulin and testosterone levels in allaxon induced male rats. From our findings it is confirmed that allaxon has a fair chance of leading to liver damage and the root extract of A.indica may have the protective action against liver damage. However kidney function seems to be normal, may be because of short time exposure to diabetes. The root extract was found to be hypoglycemic and anti diabetic in function. By this study we can conclusively state that A.indica may act as antidiabetic herbal drug. But more careful investigations are needed.