Antihyperlipidimic, antihyperglycemic activity and chemical composition of Cassia glauca Lam. Leaves

Cassia glauca (Caesalpiniaceae) is used in folk medicine as a hypoglycemic plant [1]. GC/MS was used for the identification of volatiles as well as saponifiable and unsaponifiable matters. Fifty two compounds were identified in the volatiles [2]. The volatiles were composed mainly of oxygenated compounds. Andro-encecalinol was the major component. Twenty three fatty acids were found in the sap. fraction. The unsaturated fatty acids represented (11.62%). The most abundant ones were oleic and linoleic acids. Thirty two compounds were identified in unsaponifiable matter, mostly hydrocarbons. The major compound was prehnitol. Limonene, azulene, phytol and squalene were present in considerable amounts.

For the investigation of the biological activities, two groups of male albino rats were used. The first group was injected with alloxan to induce diabetes. The hyperglycemic rats were fed with the leaf extract for 8 weeks. The second group was kept for two months on high fat diet to induce hyperlipidemia. Four and eight weeks after administration of the extract, blood samples were collected. Blood glucose level was measured in the first group. Total serum cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-c and LDL-c were determined in the second group. The significant reduction in glucose and lipid profiles of plasma indicates the efficacy of C. glauca leaf extract as a food supplement for controlling blood glucose and body lipid metabolism.

References: 1. Chopra, R. et al. (1956) Glossary of Indian medicinal plants CSIR, New Delhi, India.

2. Adams, R. (1995) Identification of essential oil components by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Allured Publishing corp., Carol Stream, Illinois.