Effect of an active fraction isolated from the leaf extract of Leptadenia reticulata on plasma glucose concentration and lipid profile in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

AIM:To evaluate the effect of an active fraction from Leptadenia reticulata leaves on serum glucose and lipid profile in normal and diabetic rats.METHOD:Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin in Wistar rats.Petroleum ether,ethyl acetate,and ethanol extracts of Leptadenia reticulata leaves were administered orally at a dose of 200 mgkg-1,p.o.Metformin was used as standard anti diabetic drug(50 mgkg-1,p.o).The extract showing higher antidiabetic activity was subjected to column chromatography and led to the isolation of an active fraction,which was given trivial name Lr-1.Lr-1(100 mgkg-1,p.o.) was studied for its hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic potential.RESULTS:The ethanol extract was found to lower the FBG level significantly(P0.05) in diabetic rats.Lr-1 caused a significant(P0.05) reduction in FBG level,and additionally it caused reduction in cholesterol,triglyceride levels,and an improvement in the HDL level in diabetic rats.CONCLUSION:Reduction in the FBG,cholesterol,triglyceride levels,and an improvement in the HDL by Lr-1 indicates that Lr-1 has antidiabetic activity,along with cardioprotective potential,and provides a scientific rationale for the use as an antidiabetic agent.