Pharmacological Potential Of Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract Against Streptozotocin Induced Experimental Diabetes Mellitus Model

Diabetes mellitus is a rapidly increasing incidence in the developing and developed countries throughout the world. The present investigation was performed to assess the anti–diabetic activity of Nymphaea alba flower extract against streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic condition in rat model. N.alba flower extract was orally given to experimentally induced diabetic animals (at the concentration of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight). Treatment of N.alba flower extract significantly (p < 0.05) lowered the level of blood glucose, serum insulin and HbA1C levels in experimentally induced diabetic animals in a concentration dependent fashion. A significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the levels of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxiodase, glutathione S transferase, catalase and superoxide dismutase were observed in experimental diabetic animal model. Upon treatment with N.alba flower extract the above said antioxidant enzyme levels were reverted back to normalcy in a dose dependent fashion. The present investigation revealed that N.alba flower extract exerted strongly antidiabetic action by restoring the antioxidant system and anti–hyperglycemic activity. Consequently, it might be used as a safer harmonizing substance in the diabetic conditions.