In vitro and in vivo antidiabetic activity on leaves of Merremia hederacea (Burm. f.) Hallier f

Objective: In vitro antidiabetic activity of plant leaf extracts (petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and ethanol) of Merremia hederacea (Burm. f.) Hallier f. was investigated and also, in vivo antidiabetic activity of an active extract was evaluated against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus in rats. Materials and Methods: In vitro studies were performed using α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition assay. Based on the in vitro studies, the active ethanol extract was selected for the in vivo antidiabetic activity. STZ (60 mg/kg body weight [BW], i.p.) was used to induce type 2 diabetes mellitus in rats. The rats were divided into different groups and orally administered with active extract (200 and 400 mg/kg) and glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) for 21 days. Blood samples were collected from overnight fasted rats at 0, 7, 14, and 21 days of treatment and analyzed. Results: It was found that ethanol extract shows good antidiabetic activity compared to other extracts. At 320 μg, ethanol extract shows greater percentage inhibition of 91.44% and 85.50% for alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, respectively. The standard acarbose also shows greater percentage inhibition of 95.44%. Parameters such as BW changes, fasting blood glucose level, serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were measured. On day 21, rats were sacrificed and pancreas was excised for the histopathological studies of pancreatic tissues. Conclusion: From the present study, it is evident that the ethanol extract on leaves of M. hederacea showed good α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition and also exerted a significant effect on lowering of blood glucose level against STZ-induced diabetic rats and significant reduction on serum LDL and significant increase serum HDL level. It suggests that the plant may have therapeutic value in diabetes and related complications.