Cucumis melo Var. agrestis Naudin as a potent antidiabetic: Investigation via experimental methods

Abstract

Background: The present study reveals that the ethanolic extract of Cucumis melo var. agrestis (CMVA), can influence the activity of blood glucose level, insulin level, oxidative stress, and lipid profile in Alloxan monohydrate induced diabetic rats. Methods: Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=6), viz. Normal control (non-diabetic), diabetic control (alloxan induced), diabetic treated group (infused with doses 250 and 500 mg/kg b.w) of CMVA ethanolic extract, and standard treated diabetes (infused with pioglitazone 1 mg/kg b.w). Diabetes was induced by administration of alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg i.p). The ethanolic extract of CMVA was supplemented orally in different doses for 45 days. Biochemical investigations as well as histopathological examination were carried out accordingly. Results: The diabetic rats supplemented with CMVA significantly decreased blood glucose levels in a dose dependent manner (#p < 0.001). The plasma insulin level was found significantly increased in rats treated with CMVA. However, in CMVA treated group, the oxidative stress parameters (such as SOD, CAT, GSHpx and GSH) and lipid parameters were restored up to normal level (#p < 0.001). Histopathological studies showed that the microscopic architecture of pancreatic cells were improved in CMVA treated groups. Conclusion: The research illustrated that CMVA has potent antidiabetic as well as antioxidant activity along with hypolipidemic effect. Therefore, active phyto-compounds of the selected plants can be isolated and further formulation can be develop in near future.

Keywords

• Antidiabetic activity
• Antioxidant
• Insulin level
• Cucumis melo var. agrestis Naudin
• OGTT
• Lipid profile