RESUMO
Cephalendra indica (41//v/v alcoholic extract of the wild variety of Cephalendra indica Naud.), on regular administration in doses ranging from 25uml to 75uml/100g of body weight (gbw) by the oral or intraperitoneal (ip) route produced a significant fall in blood sugar level in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Biochemical studies showed stabilization of blood sugar level in 70//of cases at fourteen to twenty days after withdrawal of the drug. Histopathological studies revealed regeneration of pancreatic B cells. The hypothesis is that the drug acts through the hypothalamo-hypophysial-pancreatic axis, producing selective regeneration of B cells. The drug may indirectly release inhibitory factors from hypothalamic neurons, inhibiting the secretion of growth hormone and triggering insulin secretions from B cells. The therapeutic action of the drug on pancreatic B cells and lack of acute and subacute toxicity may open up new prospects in the treatment of diabetes mellitus
