Anti-diabetic Effects of Aqueous plant (Citrullus colocynthis) Extract in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Mice

Abstract

The aim of this study was to find out anti-diabetic effects of Citrullus colocynthis commonly known as bitter apple. Random blood glucose levels were measured before and after plant extract administration. Powdered form of plant extract was used as an oral treatment. Diabetes was induced in mice using artificial diabetes inducer named- Streptozotocin. Maximum anti-hyperglycemic effect and reduction in glucose level was observed with individual treatment of extract of C. colocynthis @400mg/kg, which was 75%±1.3. This treatment was more effective than amaryl @3mg/kg, which shows effectiveness of 52%±2.4 and Glucophage @500mg/kg, which shows effectiveness of 29%±2.1. Results showed that bitter apple have insulin tropic activity which helps in regeneration of beta cells of pancreas which turn normalize blood glucose levels without any significant side effects such as hypoglycemia. Further research is still required before implementation of this plant to treat diabetic patients.