Evaluation of Herbal Drug for Hypoglycemic Activity in Normal, Hyperglycemic and Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rabbits

The herbal drug formulation (Diabrid) was evaluated for hypoglycemic activity in normal, glucose-fed hyperglycemic and alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits. Fasting blood glucose level was determined prior to the drug administration in each group. Blood sugar was also determined at various time intervals after oral drug administration and compared with the reference drug, Gliben clamide. The data was statistically analyzed. No significant hypoglycemic effect was produced by the herbal test drug in alloxaninduced diabetic rabbits. However, fasting blood glucose levels were significantly decreased in the normal animals within one hour after drug administration. The maximum hypoglycemic effect was noted within two hours. A significant hypoglycemic effect was observed in glucose-fed hyperglycemic rabbits. Diabrid at a dose of 1000 mg/kg produced approximately the same effect as 3.3 mg/kg Glibenclamide. The herbal drug did not produce any toxic effect at higher doses. The study suggests that Diabrid is a safe potential herbal medicine in the amelioration of hyperglycemia in Type-II diabetes. It has not shown any significant effect in insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) animal model.