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Saba Firdous1, Rangam Chariitha*, M.Bhaskar3
Department of Pharmacology, Smt. Sarojini Ramulamma College of Pharmacy, Palamuru University, Mahabubnagar, Telangana
3Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Smt. Sarojini Ramulamma College of Pharmacy, Palamuru University, Mahabubnagar, Telangana
A B S T R A C T
The present study was designed to emphasize the anti-hyperglycaemic and antioxidant potential of the aqueous extract of the leaf of Indigofera suffructicosa Mill. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of the aqueous extract (AEIS) revealed a rich composition of phytochemicals, including alkaloids, reducing sugars, tannins, and phenols, while terpenoids, gums, and mucilage were absent. Acute oral toxicity studies indicated that AEIS did not produce any mortality or signs of toxicity at a dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight in experimental rats. AEIS treatment demonstrated a moderate hypoglycaemic effect in normal animals and significantly improved glucose tolerance in glucose-fed hyperglycaemic rats. Although no significant reduction in blood glucose levels was observed with acute AEIS treatment in STZ-induced diabetic rats, sub-acute treatment resulted in a steady decrease in blood glucose levels in these rats. Further, AEIS treatment led to a marked increase in body weight, a decrease in glycosylated hemoglobin, and a significant increase in serum protein and HDL cholesterol levels in STZ-induced diabetic animals. Additionally, significant decreases in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and creatinine levels were observed. The antioxidant study revealed that hepatic antioxidant enzyme levels (SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px) were significantly decreased in STZ-induced diabetic animals, with a high degree of lipid peroxidation. However, these enzyme levels significantly increased upon AEIS treatment. Based on these results, it can be inferred that the leaf of Indigofera suffructicosa Mill could be used as supportive treatment for diabetes mellitus, providing effective protection against free radicals that contribute to diabetic complications. Further studies are required to establish the antihyperglycaemic activity of Indigofera suffructicosa Mill at the molecular level.
Keywords: Indigofera suffructicosa, anti-hyperglycaemic, diabetes mellitus, STZ
