Antidiabetic activity of ethanolic extract of Cyperus rotundus rhizomes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

摘要

Objective: In the present investigation, ethanolic extract of Cyperus rotundus (EECR) rhizomes was evaluated for antidiabetic activity in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic swiss mice. Materials and Methods: After administration of EECR extract for 3 weeks, the body weight, blood glucose, biomarker enzymes (serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase [SGPT] and serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase [SGOT]), and plasma lipid levels were measured in STZ-induced diabetic mice. Results: The ethanolic extract at dose levels of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight revealed significant antidiabetic activity, improvement in body weight, and reduction in elevated biochemical parameters such as SGPT, SGOT, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Conclusion: These experimental findings seemed to indicate the use of this plant in traditional Indian medicine for the treatment of diabetes. KEY WORDS: Antidiabetic activity, Cyperus rotundus , phytochemical analysis, rhizome, streptozotocin Diabetes mellitus is a group of syndromes characterized by hyperglycemia; altered metabolism of lipids, carbohydrate and proteins; and an increased risk of complications from vascular diseases. Most patients can be classified clinically as having either Type-1 (insulin dependent diabetes) or Type-2 diabetes mellitus (noninsulin dependent diabetes). In the United States, about 90% of diabetic patients have Type-2 diabetes mellitus. There are more than 125 million persons with diabetes in the world today.[ 1 ] The treatment of diabetes mellitus-2 with oral hypoglycemic agents like sulfonyl urea and biguanides is always associated with numerous side effects.[ 2 ] The major advantages of herbal medicine seem to be their good potential, low incidence of serious side effects and low cost. Cyperus rotundus Linn. (Family - Cyperaceae ), commonly known as mustaka, is a perennial weed with dark green glabrous culms, arising from a system of underground tubers.[ 3 , 4 ] The tubers of the plant are used as anthelmintic, antihistaminic, antipyretic, hypotensive, and smooth muscle relaxant.[ 4 ] The plant has also been reported to have antimalarial, anti-inflammatory activity, tranquilizing action, as well as hepatoprotective action, against CCl₄-induced liver damage.[ 5 ].