Antidiabetic Activity of Methanol Extract of Canthium parviflorum Lam. Leaves

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out to study the antidiabetic activity of the methanol extract from the leaves of Canthium parviflorum Lam. (Family- Rubiaceae) in adult Wistar rats at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg p.o. respectively using normoglycemic, glucose loaded and alloxan induced hyperglycaemic models. Metformin (250 mg/kg, p.o.) was used as reference standard for the activity comparison. Results of the study revealed significant antidiabetic activity of the methanol extract in a dose dependent manner. The antidiabetic activity showed by the extract may be due to by promoting the insulin release from the undestroyed β-cells or its action may be similar to insulin. Our study supports the folklore claims to its utilization as an antidiabetic medicinal plant and and suggests that leaves possess promising therapeutic activity for the maintenance of diabetes mellitus.