Anti-diabetic activity of eriobotrya japonica leaf extracts in diabetic and non-diabetic rats

Abstract

Background and Objectives The increased prevalence of diabetes mellitus over the years has become a major public health problem and economic burden in many countries. The limitations of the available conventional therapeutic options for diabetes mellitus, have led to a determined search for more efficacious and cost-effective alternatives. The aim of the present study was to investigate the hypoglycemic effect and mechanisms of Eriobotrya Japonica ethanolic leaf extracts in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Methods Diabetes was induced in male albino Sprague Dawley rats (250-300g) by chemical induction using alloxan monohydrate 120mg/kg body weight. Eriobotrya Japonica ethanolic leaf extracts were orally administered to diabetic rats at 100mg, 200mg, and 400mg/kg body weight doses for 15 days to determine the hypoglycemic activity. Blood glucose level was measured from the tail vein and the weight change was recorded. Results The three doses of Eriobotrya Japonica (100mg, 200mg, and 400mg/kg b.w) lowered the blood glucose level of alloxan induced diabetic rats significantly (p≤0.01). The reduction in blood glucose level was not dose dependent. Histo-pathological analysis did not show any protective action or change in morphology on the pancreas. Conclusion Eriobotrya Japonica in doses of 100mg, 200mg, and 400mg/kg b.w does not have any effect on morphology of pancreatic β cells in alloxan induced diabetic rat models. Eriobotrya Japonica can be tried out as a functional food for its anti-diabetic potential.