Antidiabetic Activity of Roots of Salacia macrosperma

Abstract

Various fractions of the alcoholic extract of the roots of Salacia macrosperma were evaluated for their antidiabetic activity in alloxan-diabetic rats by estimating various biochemical parameters in blood, viz. glucose, proteins, lipids, cholesterol, and free fatty acids, after oral administration for 8 days. From the data obtained, it is concluded that the methanolic fraction followed by the residual fraction of the alcoholic extract exhibited significant antidiabetic activity. These biofractions were able to correct the metabolic abberations in diabetic rats. This activity may be due to their insulin-like properties.

Key words

Salacia macrosperma - Hippocrataceae - diabetes mellitus - antidiabetic activity - alloxan-diabetic rats - insulin-like properties