Hypoglycemic effect of aqueous extract of Trichosanthes dioica in normal and diabetic rats

BACKGROUND: Trichosanthes dioica is used to treat diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, alopecia, and skin disease in folklore medicine. The leaf extract of the plant is used in diabetes mellitus but there have been no scientific studies reported. AIMS: To study the effect of Trichosanthes dioica on serum glucose level in glucose loaded, normal and hyperglycemic rats. SETTINGS: Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka, India. DESIGN: Experimental. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aqueous extract of leaves of Trichosanthes dioica are compared with glibeclamide for their influence on fasting blood sugar in glucose loaded, normoglycemic and streptozotocin induced (45 mg/kg ip) hyperglycemic rats. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The data was analyzed by one way ANOVA followed by Scheffe's post hoc test. RESULTS: In glucose loaded rats, normal rats and hyperglycemic rats the aqueous extract at both the doses (800 mg/kg/p.o and 1600 mg/kg/p.o) reduced blood glucose significantly when compared to control but it was not as effective as glibenclamide. CONCLUSION: The aqueous extract of Trichosanthes dioica has antihyperglycemic action.