Phytochemical Constituents and Hypoglycemic Effect of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of Murraya Koenigii in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats.

Abstract

Phytochemical constituents and the hypoglycemic activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Murraya koenigii (curry leaf) was investigated in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Qualitative phytochemical screening of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts confirmed the presence of alkaloids, Cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, phlobotanins, terpenes and emodols in both extracts. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Murraya koeniqii administered orally at a dose level of 400mg/kg body weight for four weeks showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the blood glucose levels of the alloxan induced treated rats when compared with the induced non treated rats. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the hypoglycemic activity and weight of the animals treated with aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Murraya koeniqii when compared with animals in the control group (metformin). However, a significant decrease (p<0.05) in weight (g) for the untreated rats was observed. The ethanolic extract showed a better hypoglycemic activity, but the statistical analysis shows no difference. This study reveals the antidiabetic potentials of Murraya Koenigii extracts. Thus, its extract can be further processed for drug development