Anti-Diabetic Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Acacia melanoxylon Linn. Seeds in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

Objective: The present study was carried out to investigate the antidiabetic activity of hydro alcoholic extract of Acacia melanoxylon (AMHE) seeds. Methods: AMHE was administered orally at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg doses to normal and streptozotocin (STZ) induced type-2 diabetic rats. Oral glucose tolerance test was performed by inducing hyperglycemic state via administration of glucose (2 g/kg) in water. Fasting blood glucose level, biochemical parameters like serum cholesterol, creatinine, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, urea, total protein and physical parameters like change in body weight was performed for evaluation of hypoglycemic effects. Results: The extract was found safe upto dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight when administered orally. A significant decrease in blood was observed within 90 minutes in glucose tolerance testing among STZ-induced diabetic rats with a high dose of AMHE(400 mg/kg). Daily oral treatment with the extract for 21 days significantly (P<0.01) reduced blood glucose in STZ induced type-2 diabetic rats. The altered levels of biochemical parameters in diabetic animals as compared to normal indicating impaired metabolic functions were also significantly improved by oral administration of AMHE. Conclusion: The results suggest that hydro alcoholic extract of A. melanoxylon seeds revealed significant anti-diabetic activity.