Hypoglycemic effect and in vitro antioxidant activity of methanolic extract from Argel (Solenostemma Argel) plant.

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to examine the hypoglycemic effect of methanolic extract of Argel leaves in normal and in Methylprednisolone induced- hyperglycemia rats. Hyperglycemia was induced in the by intraperitoneal injections of Methylprednisolone (55 mg/kg twice). Then induced rats were treated with either Argel extract at 1g/kg orally daily for 10 days or treated with glibenclamide at 6 mg/kg. Antioxidant activity using DPPH was found to increase in a concentration dependent manner. Results showed that oral administration of Argel leaves extract, significantly lowered the plasma glucose level compared to the untreated rats. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), were significantly lower in Argel group compared to untreated group. In conclusions: the methanolic extract of Argel leaves showed hypoglycemic and antioxidant potency. The present investigation suggests that Argel leaves extract may be a potential source of natural antioxidant with good hypoglycemic effect.