Comparative analysis of antioxidant, antidiabetic and analgesic activity of Callestemon viminalis L. and Alcea rosea L. leaves extracts.

High levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body and diabetes are key factors for the development of hypercholesteremia and related neuropathic pains. Current study aimed to compare the antioxidant, antidiabetic and analgesic activities of aqueous methanolic extracts of C. viminalis L. and A. rosea L. leaves. HPLC method was used for phenolic content evaluation. Antioxidant capacity was determined by DPPH and analgesic activity was performed via acetic acid induced writhing reflex test. Whereas the antidiabetic activity was performed on Alloxan induced diabetes model. HPLC analysis indicated the presence of phenols in both extracts. Based on DPPH radical scavenging activity, C. viminalis and A.rosea L. both leaves extracts showed strong scavenging activity (IC50, 11.96±0.64lg/mL) and (IC50, 10.11±0.74lg/mL) respectively. Antidiabetic effect of C. viminalis L and A. rosea L. were also significant (p<0.05). Further biochemical analysis showed both leaves extracts significantly (P<0.05) reduces glucose, Low density lipid (LDL), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and urea while high density lipid (HDL) were improved. In writhing reflex test both extracts exhibited significant (P<0.01) analgesic activity which was comparable to Aspirin. In conclusion both C. viminalis L. and A. rosea L. leaves extracts displayed significant antioxidant, analgesic and antidiabetic activity.

Evaluation of Acute and Chronic Antidiabetic Activity of Ivy (Hedera helix L.) Aqueous Leaf Extract in Rat Model.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Hedera helix L. (Ivy) has been utilized as an alternative medicine for cough however, through extensive literature search; we found no reported activity of ivy on α-glucosidase inhibition, HbA1c levels and its protective effect on vital organs. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic and protective effect of ivy in alloxan induced rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The hypoglycemic activity of ivy was examined in normoglycemic, glucose overloaded and alloxan-induced rats. The antidiabetic potential was also confirmed by estimation of HbA1c and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. RESULTS: Results of acute and chronic study revealed that ivy produced highly significant decline (p<0.01) in fasting and post-prandial blood sugar levels as compared to diabetic control and standard group respectively. Furthermore, highly significant decline (p<0.01) in HbA1c levels were seen after chronic administration of ivy indicating its therapeutic effect in lowering HbA1c levels during long term use. It was found that ivy produced stronger and highly significant (p<0.05) inhibition of α-glucosidase activity than the standard agent acarbose at 500 µg mL-1. CONCLUSION: The histopathological studies of vital organs revealed protective effect of ivy via maintaining the normal architecture as compared to alloxan model. Hence, our findings support the potential use of ivy for diabetes management.