Hypoglycemic and antidiabetic activity of leaves of Aegle marmelose in normoglycemic and streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and disturbances of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. Long term complications arising due to diabetes mellitus and serious side effects shown by synthetic hypoglycemic agents have continued the search for more effective and safer antidiabetic agents. Aegle marmelose Linn. (Rutaceae) is a popular Indian traditional plant, fruits of which are used for diarrhoea and dysentery. Since no scientific studies have been carried out on leaves, the present study was designed to investigate hypoglycemic and antidiabetic activity of leaves of A. marmelose in normoglycemic and streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Treatment groups received 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg p.o. of methanolic extract of A. marmelose. The blood glucose levels were estimated using glucometer. In addition, changes in body weight, organ (liver, kidney, pancreas) weight and serum lipid profile were assessed after 4 weeks of daily administration of the extract. Pretreatment with methanolic extract (400mg/kg p.o.) showed significant (p<0.05) decrease in blood glucose level compared to diabetic control. Further, extract treated rats at 400mg/kg p.o., showed significant (p<0.05) improvement in body weight, organ weight and lipid profile as compared to diabetic control rats. One-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett's test was applied to test statistical significance. Thus the present study clearly demonstrates antidiabetic potential of A. marmelose leaves. Further studies are required to elucidate its mechanism of action.