Hypoglycemic effect of Hibiscus rosa sinensis L. leaf extract in glucose and streptozotocin induced hyperglycemic rats
Sachdewa, A.; Nigam, R.; Khemani, L.D.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology 39(3): 284-286
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5189 PMID: 11495291 Document Number: 536721
The effects of the aqueous extract of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis leaves on blood glucose level and glucose tolerance were investigated in rats. Repeated administration of the extract (250 mg/kg for 7 days) significantly improved glucose tolerance. Peak glucose level was observed at 30 min of glucose load (2 g/kg), thereafter a decreasing trend was observed up to 120 min. Repeated ingestion of tolbutamide and the extract resulted in a 2- to 3-fold decrease in blood glucose concentration as compared to single oral treatment. Tolbutamide improved glucose tolerance by 91% compared with 47% for the extract. At a dose of 250 mg/kg, the efficacy of the extract was 51.5% of tolbutamide (100 mg/kg). In steptozotocin diabetic rats, the extract had no significant effects, while glibenclamide significantly reduced glucose level for 7 h. The hypoglycaemic properties of the extract are comparable to tolbutamide but not glibenclamide.