Screening for anti-diabetic activity of the ethanolic extract of Barleria cristata seeds

Abstract

The anti-diabetic drugs from plants in current clinical use and their similar mechanism of action of herbal components are preferred mainly due to lesser side effect and low cost. Conventional drugs treat diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity, increasing insulin production and/or decreasing the amount of glucose in blood. In addition to adverse effects, drug treatments are not always satisfactory in maintaining normal level of blood glucose and avoiding late stage diabetic consequences¹. Plant-based drugs have been used against various diseases since a long time. The nature has provided abundant plants which possess medicinal virtues. Therefore, there is a necessity to explore their uses and to conduct pharmacognostic and pharmacological studies to ascertain their therapeutic properties. Nowadays, diabetes is a global problem. Hence, the present study aims to open new avenues for the improvement of medicinal uses of Barleria cristata L (Acanthaceae) for the selected area for diabetes. Another important objective of this study is to bring the anti-diabetic medicinal plants sector on a firm scientific footing, raise awareness and add value to the resource. Acoholic extracts of dried seeds of Barleria cristata were subjected for hypoglycaemic activity in Wistar rats (150-200 g). Blood sugar level was determined using digital glucometer. The oral administration of seeds extracts at doses of 200 mg/ kg lead to a significant blood glucose reduction. This laid the foundation to study the active compounds of such anti-diabetic plants that are responsible for the hypoglycemic activities.