Studies on anti-hyperglycemic effect of Euphorbia antiquorum L. root in diabetic rats

BACKGROUND/AIM: To determine the anti-hyperglycemic effect of Euphorbia antiquorum L. root. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study evaluates the anti-hyperglycemic effect of E. antiquorum root in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced Type 2 diabetes mellitus and fructose-induced insulin resistance models. Alcohol and aqueous extracts of E. antiquorum root were administered at doses 200 and 400 mg/kg p.o. Serum levels of glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, glycosylated hemoglobin (GHb), and hepatic levels of malondialdehyde, glutathione, and glycogen were estimated. RESULTS: Treatment with the alcohol and aqueous extracts of E. antiquorum roots resulted in significant (P < 0.001) lowering of serum blood glucose and GHb levels in both the models. Flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and glycosides were detected in the preliminary phytochemical screening. CONCLUSION: Root of E. antiquorum showed promising anti-hyperglycemic effect which may be due to the presence of important phytochemicals.