The inhibitory effects of methanol (70%) extracts of Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle and Ailanthus excelsa Roxb. stem bark on streptozotocin (ST) – induced diabetes mellitus were studied using
ST – treated diabetic model. When the effects of the extracts on ST-induced ATP/ADP
ratio of islets were assayed, the extracts were effective in restoring of ATP/ADP
ratio and when the islets (200/condition) were treated with ST (5 mM for 30 min.)
and then the extracts were added to the ST-treated cells, the extracts concentration
(200 µg/ml) showed increased insulin production in pancreatic islet cells.
Keywords: Ailanthus excelsa, Ailanthus altissima, stem bark, Antidiabetic activity