Antihyperglycemic Potential of Ethanolic Extract of Couroupita guianensis on Streptozocin Induced Experimental Diabetic Rat Model

Abstract

Background: The present study was performed to investigate the effect of oral feeding of 50% ethanolic (v/v) extract of Couroupita guianensis leaves in streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetic model rats for the possible anti-diabetic mechanism.

Materials and Methods: Water, glibenclamide and extracts of Couroupita guianensis were fed to the corresponding type 2 diabetic model at the given dose (1.25 g/kg bw) for 28 consecutive days to investigate the effect on serum glucose, lipids, insulin and liver glycogen contents.

Results: The study did not cause any significant effect on degradation of depot fat, which is a common phenomenon in diabetes mellitus. Meanwhile, C. guianensis, extract improves postprandial glucose level (12.35±2.59 mmol/L) compared to control group. The serum insulin level did not increase (p= 0.148) when compared to control. Serum cholesterol level was found to be lowered at 9%. Hence, the most beneficial effect was found regarding atherogenic serum LDL level which was deceased by 2% in C. guianensis extract on 28^th day. Also, the hepatic glycogen content was increased by 8% in C. guianensis extract, compared to control.

Conclusion: C. Guianensis extract has significant repressing effect on carbohydrate digestive enzymes which may function in lowering postprandial glucose levels.