Abstract

S. Hemalatha*, A. K. Wahi, P. N. Singh and J.P.N. Chansouria

The anti-hyperglycemic activity of aqueous extract of Melothria maderaspatana Linn. was evaluted in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Free radical scavenging activity of aqueous extract of M. maderaspatana was assessed in vitro using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryhydrazyl (DPPH). Oral administration of aqueous extract of M. maderaspatana significantly decreased the blood glucose level in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. This extract also lowered the serum cholesterol, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and hepatic tissue LPO levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. M. maderaspatana showed free radical scavenging activity when assayed in an in vitro system using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) stable free radical. Pretreatment of M. maderaspatana failed to show any protective action against streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Aqueous extract of M. maderaspatana (2 g/kg p.o.) showed significant antihyperglycemic, hypocholesterolemic and free radical scavenging activities in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.