Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties of Casuarina equisetifolia leaf extracts in alloxan induced diabetic rats

Abstract

Background Causarina equisetifolia is a plant used traditionally as a remedy for various disorders such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, gastric problems and muscle weakness. The aqueous, ethanol and methanol extracts of C. equisetifolia leaves were studied for hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic potentials.

Methodology Phytochemical analysis was carried out using standard procedures. Rats of both sexes, weighing (145–255 g) were randomly allotted to six groups with each group having four rats. Rats in group A were the normoglycemic, while those in groups B, C, D, E, and F were rendered diabetic by the administration of 110 mg/kg bodyweight of alloxan monohydrate. Group C rats were treated with 15 mg/kg bodyweight of standard drug (Glidazide), while groups D, E, and F rats were respectively treated with 150 mg/kg bodyweight of aqueous, ethanol, and methanol extracts for 15 days. The group B rats were untreated (negative control). Blood glucose was checked after every three days using glucometer. At the end of the treatment, the rats were anaesthetized under chloroform vapor and blood samples were collected by jugular puncture and used for analyzing biochemical parameters.

Results Extracts showed presence of tannins, flavonoids, saponins, phenols, alkaloids and reducing sugars. There was 64%, 59% and 58% reduction in blood glucose concentration of diabetic rats treated with ethanol, aqueous, methanol extracts respectively. Serum cholesterol and triacylglycerol of the three treated groups reduced (p < 0.05) with the aqueous and methanol extract treated groups having the most significant reductions in both variables (147.93±8.04, 152.91±10.85 mg/dL) when compared with the diabetic group (203.21±6.45, 355.16±11.25 mg/dL) respectively. AST and ALP activities reduced significantly (p < 0.05) in the aqueous extract treated group (33.18±4.48, 52.60±7.23 u/L) with no significant differences when values were compared to that of the normal control group (25.64±4.18, 44.13±5.80 u/L) respectively. Urea concentration decreased in all extract treatment groups except the group treated with the aqueous extract. Creatinine also decreased in the extract treated groups apart from the group treated with the aqueous and methanol extracts when both compared with the normal control group.

Conclusion The extracts from the leaves of C. equisetifolia have hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects, and can be further explored as a natural novel lead for drug development in the management of diabetes and dyslipidemia.