Evaluation of anti-microbial, hypoglycemic and anti-diarrheal activities of Setaria italica seeds

Abstract

The ethanolic crude extract of Setaria italica seeds (Poaceae) was investigated for its possible anti-microbial, hypoglycemic and anti-diarrheal activities. Anti-microbial activity was evaluated by disc diffusion method while the hypoglycemic and anti-diarrheal properties were determined by oral glucose tolerance test and castor oil induced diarrheal method, respectively in Albino mice. The ethanolic extract and its different fractions of S. italica have shown good anti-microbial activity against gram negative bacteria having zone of inhibition 9-13 mm (ciprofloxacin: 40-41 mm). In evaluation of hypoglycemic activity, ethanolic extract and its chloroform fraction, at 400 mg/kg, also showed promising hypoglycemic property having blood glucose level of 3.74 and 3.72 mmol/l after 120 minute, respectively when compared to standard glibenclamide (3.44 mmol/l). On the other hand, during the assessing for anti-diarrheal activity, the crude extract did not significantly reduce the frequency of defecation. The findings of the studies demonstrate anti-microbial and hypoglycemic properties of S. italica.