Glucose lowering effect of leaf extracts of Viscum Album in normal

Abstract

<strong>BACKGROUND</strong>: The use of plants in the treatment of diabetes mellitus is a well-established practice in traditional medicine.<br /> Viscum album has been recommended for the treatment of several diseases. This study evaluated the glucose lowering<br /> effect of leaf extracts of this plant in normal and streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.<br /> <strong>METHODS</strong>: Leaf extracts of Viscum album were prepared with 80 % ethanol and administered to normal and diabetic<br /> New Zealand white rats. The LD50 was determined by the Karbar method. The glucose lowering effect was assessed in<br /> these animals in comparison to normal saline and glibenclamide. Blood glucose was estimated with the aid of a glucose<br /> sensor.<br /> <strong>RESULTS</strong>: The LD50 was 1520 mg/kg. A dose dependent lowering effect of the fasting blood glucose was observed in<br /> both the normal and diabetic rats, with maximum lowering occurring 6 hours after extract administration. The patterns<br /> of effect were similar to that produced by glibenclamide.<br /> CONCLUSIONS: Leaf extracts of Viscum album showed a significant glucose lowering effect in normal and diabetic rats.<br /> Extracts from this plant could therefore, be useful in controlling blood glucose level.<br /><strong> KEY</strong> <strong>WORDS</strong>: Animal models, diabetes mellitus, Viscum album, hypoglycemic effect, streptozotocin.

Keywords

• Animal models, diabetes mellitus, Viscum album, hypoglycemic effect, streptozotocin.