Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities of aqueous extract of flowers from Nycantus arbor-tristis L. in male mice

摘要

Background Boiled aqueous extract of flowers (AEF) from Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. are used in Sri Lankan traditional Ayruvedic Medicine to manage diabetes mellitus. AEF has widely been used as a folk medicine for the treatment of various ailments due to its therapeutic activity. However, little is known concerning therapeutic activity of the extract as well as its underline mechanisms and safety. Diabetes is known to increase low-density cholesterol and decrease high-density cholesterol thus triggering coronary diseases. Hence, the primary objective of the present study is to investigate the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities of the AEF. Methods AEF was prepared and male mice (n?=?9 group) were gavaged either with 250, 500 and 750?mg/kg of AEF or distilled water (DW). Subsequently, fasting and random blood glucose concentrations were determined. To investigate mechanisms of actions of AEF, animals were orally administered with 500?mg/kg or the vehicle (DW) and glucose tolerance was performed before and after glucose challenge. For further studies, in vitro alpha-amylase assay and glucose absorption from the gastrointestinal tract were performed using 500?mg/kg of the extract. Additionally, glycogen content in the liver and skeletal muscles, a complete lipid profile assay, and toxicological and biochemical parameters were conducted after a chronic study. Results Five hundred?mg/kg and 750?mg/kg of AEF significantly (p?p Conclusion Results the present study indicated that AEF possess hypoglycemic and hypolipdemic properties. Therefore, AEF could be used as an alternative medicine in management of diabetes mellitus.