Effect ofGymnema montanumLeaves on Serum and Tissue Lipids in Alloxan Diabetic Rats

Abstract

The effect ofGymnema montanumleaves on alloxaninduced hyperlipidemia was studied in male Wistar rats. Ethanolic extract ofG. montanumleaves was administered orally and different doses of the extract on blood glucose, serum and tissue lipids, hexokinase, glucose-6-phosphatase, thiobarbituric acid–reactive substances (TBARS), hydroperoxides, and glutathione in alloxan-induced diabetic rats were studied.G. montanumleaf extract (GLEt) at doses of 50, 100, 200 mg/kg body weight for 3 weeks suppressed the elevated blood glucose and lipid levels in diabetic rats. GLEt at 200 mg/kg body weight was found to be comparable to glibenclamide, a reference drug. These data indicate thatG. montanumrepresents an effective antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic adjunct for the treatment of diabetes and a potential source of discovery of new orally active agent for future therapy.