Effect of Concomitant Use of Syzygium Cumini (L.) Skeels Seed Powder and Metformin: An In-vivo Interaction Study

Context: As the increasing herb-drug interactions have posed many questions about the safety and efficacy of concomitant use of many herbs and drugs. An attempt has been made to study the effect of Jamun (Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels) seed powder (JSP) and metformin in diabetic rats. Aim: Interaction between JSP and Metformin Settings and Design: Dabur Research Foundation, Ghaziabad. Methods and Material: Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups of six each and were fasted for 2 hr before the experiment with water ad libitum. All Group G1 & G2 received, citrate buffer, group G3 received 500 mg/kg body weight of JSP, G4 received metformin 200 mg/kg BW, and G5 received JSP + metformin 200 mg/kg body weight each respectively. Diabetes was induced by administering an i.p. injection of nicotinamide at the dose of 110mg/kg 15 min. before the 50 mg/kg STZ injection in an ice-cold 0.1 M citrate buffer (pH 4.5). Blood glucose levels were measured using a glucometer. Statistical analysis: Body weight was analyzed by two-way ANOVA, rest data by one-way ANOVA. Data expressed as Mean ± SEM. Results: The combined treatment showed a 25.37% and 43.0% reduction in BGL which is more than the individual effect of JSP and metformin on Day 1 and 8 respectively. Conclusions: The results indicate that the combination of JSP and metformin is having an additive effect and can be used safely to obtain a prolonged and sustained antidiabetic effect. Clinical significance: JSP along with Metformin can be given to manage very high blood glucose levels and also conditions like secondary failures to OHAs