Antihyperglycemic activity of stigmasterol isolated from Bacopa monnieri Linn. aerial parts against alloxan induced diabetic rats

Objective: Firstly to screen the antihyperglycaemic activity of petroleum ether extract (PBM) of Bacopa monnieri. Finally to examine the antihyperglycaemic activity, in-vivo antioxidant potential, effect on glycosylation of hemoglobin, estimation of glycogen content in liver and in-vitro peripheral utilisation of glucose of stigmasterol (ST), a phytosterol isolated from PBM. Methods: Antihyperglycemic effect was screened against alloxan induced diabetic rats. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by measuring glycosylated hemoglobin in-vitro and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in liver of diabetic rats in-vivo. Preliminary mode of action was determined by measuring glycogen content in the liver of diabetic rats in-vivo and peripheral glucose utilisation in the diaphragm of diabetic rats in-vitro. Results: Both PBM and ST produced significant decrease in the blood glucose level when compared with the diabetic rats both in the single and multiple dose study. ST prevented elevation of glycosylated hemoglobin, with IC50 value being 7.44 g/ml that is comparable with αtocopherol. Administration of ST and glibenclamide significantly decreased the levels of MDA, increased the level of GSH and activity of SOD and CAT in liver of diabetic rats. ST increased glycogen content in the liver and peripheral glucose utilisation in the diaphragm of diabetic rats which is comparable with the action of insulin. Conclusion: Hence, ST might have insulin like activity and its antihyperglycemic effect might be due to an increase in peripheral glucose consumption as well as protection against oxidative damage in alloxanised diabetes. © 2014 Universal Research Publications. All rights reserved