Anti-diabetic potential of selected ethno-medicinal plants of north east India

摘要

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Through one-to-one interaction with the traditional healers, the present study has identified 15 medicinal plant species traditionally used as remedies to control diabetes. Materials and methods: The methanolic extracts were screened for their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Hypoglycemic activity was assessed following glucose, sucrose and starch tolerance test on normal and STZ induced diabetic rats. Results: Ficus cunia extract had the highest α-glucosidase inhibitory potency with IC_(50) 1.39 + 0.74 μgmL~(-1) followed by Schima wallichi (IC_(50) 1.43 + 0.20 μgmL~(-1)) and Wendlandia glabrata (IC_(50) 1.67 + 0.33 μgmL~(-1)). In STZ induced diabetic rat model, F. cunia and W glabrata extracts reduced blood glucose concentration to near normal up to 14 days when administered 48 h after STZ. Conclusion: The present study supports the traditional use of some of these medicinal plants in anti-diabetic remedies. The present study contributes to evidence for use of traditional medicine.