Antidiabetic effect of syzygium cumini l. Seed on type 2 diabetic rats

Abstract

The present study evaluates the effects of powder and ethanol extract of Syzygium cumini seeds (1.25/ kg bw) treatment for 21 days on glucose homeostasis, serum insulin, serum lipids and liver glycogen content in streptozotocin (STZ) induced type 2 diabetic rats. The administration of S. cumini seed powder and ethanol extract for 21 days to type 2 diabetic rats significantly reduced the fasting glucose level although it did not alter the blood glucose level after glucose challenge. The insulin level and liver glycogen content also were not changed after dietary administration of Syzygium cumin powder or ethanol extract. In addition to hypoglycemic effect, the Syzygium cumini significantly ameliorated the lipid profile. The plasma LDL?cholesterol level, an atherogenic lipid, significantly (p < 0.01) decreased with a concurrent increase (p < 0.01) in the plasma HDL?cholesterol level, thus suggesting dietary Syzygium cumini could be used as one of the alternatives in the treatment of diabetes.    Key words: Syzygium cumini; Diabetes; Cholesterol DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v19i2.8959 DUJBS 2010; 19(2): 157-164