Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the presence of phytochemicals in and the antidiabetic activity of aqueous extract of Decalepis nervosa (AEDN) leaf. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Either sex rats were grouped into 5 classes. Alloxan monohydrate and glibenclamide were used as diabetes induction drug and standard drug, respectively. Aqueous extract of the endangered medicinal plant DN was used in two different doses. Diabetes was induced with alloxan monohydrate at 150 mg/kg b.w. The AEDN was standardized with pharmacognostic and phytochemical screening and a chemical test confirmed the presence of phytoconstituents like glycoside, alkaloid, phenols, and flavonoids. Acute toxicity was evaluated for dose selection in an antidiabetic study. RESULTS: Glibenclamide (5 mg/kg b.w.) and AEDN (200 and 400 mg) were given to all rats with induced diabetes. The reduced blood glucose level may be correlated with the presence of plant secondary metabolites (phenolic compounds), which was identified by thin layer chromatography and confirmed by high performance liquid chromatography studies. The decreased levels of serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and liver enzyme activity showed the dose dependency of AEDN extract. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed after administration of 200 and 400 mg of AEDN and 5 mg of glibenclamide to different groups, which showed significantly lower oral glucose load during blood sample collection. Animal body weight and dose of AEDN extract had a significant effect on the glucose level in blood (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: The first report on the phytochemicals and therapeutic activity of AEDN leaf showed potential antidiabetic activity by increased insulin secretion via enhanced peripheral glucose utilization mechanism.