ABSTRACT
This study aimed to elucidate the potential of Andrographis paniculata (leaves) both as an antidiabetic and as an antioxidant in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. After grouping, diabetic rats were administered the leaf ethanol extract (250 and 500 mg/kg b.w.) for 28 days. Fasting blood glucose, body weight, creatinine and urea levels and histopathological study of pancreas were carried out to evaluate the antidiabetic effects. Enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase in the liver homogenate was assayed. After the treatment with A. paniculata leaf extract, fasting blood glucose, creatinine and urea levels were found to be decreased in diabetic rats.The extract was found to be non toxic as seen by the normal creatinine and urea levels in the extract fed normal rats. There was an increase in the activity of liver antioxidant enzymes in diabetic treated rats. Histopathological study of pancreas revealed the islet cell restoring and regenerative ability of A. paniculata extract. According to our present findings, A. paniculata leaves possessed significant antihyperglycemic and antioxidant effect in streptozotocin induced diabetic rat which might be due to its islet cell restoring and regenerative ability as well as the upregulation of antioxidant enzymes.
Key words: diabetes; Andrographis paniculata; antihyperglycemic activity; antioxidant activity
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