Hypoglycemic activity of lepidium sativum linn seed total alkaloid on alloxan induced diabetic rats

Abstract

Lepidium sativum Linn. (Family Cruciferae) popularly known as Garden cress has been used in traditional and folklore medicine for the treatment of bronchial asthma, diabetes, local and rheumatic pain. The present study aimed at investigation of antidiabetic efficacy of L. sativum Seed Total Alkaloid (LSTA). The major components of this alkaloid fraction are lepidine and semilepidine, a rare group of imidazole alkaloid. Anti diabetic profile of LSTA (50, 150 and 250 mg kg-1, i.p.) was assessed on alloxan induced diabetic rats upon 21 days continuous treatment. Biochemical parameters viz., glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein, urea and creatinine were determined along with b.wt. and relative organ weight. LTSA at 250 mg kg-1 showed 1.94% b.wt. gain on 21th day relative to 6.14 and 8.94% of control and diabetic group. LSTA at 250 mg kg-1 dose significantly (p<0.001) suppressed blood glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride and urea level in diabetic rats. The results revealed that LSTA at dose 250 mg kg-1 showed potent hypoglycemic activity. The L. sativum alkaloid have potential antidiabetic effect against alloxan-induced diabetes may be through reducing oxidative damage and modulating antioxidant enzymes. The possible mechanism by which LSTA brings about its anti-hyperglycaemic action may be by potentiation of pancreatic secretion of insulin from the remaining islet β cells. © 2012 Academic Journals Inc.