Hemidesmus indicus R. Br. Fraction Ameliorates Diabetic Neuropathy Caused by Streptozotocin

Abstract

To study the effect of Hemidesmus indicus fraction (HIF) on diabetic neuropathy elicited by Streptozotocin (STZ) using dried root powder of Hemidesmus indicus (HI).HI root powder was subjected to soxhlet extraction successively with petroleum ether (60-80°C for 72 hr) in a soxhlet apparatus. The preliminary phytochemical analysis of the HI root extract indicated the presence of steroids, terpenoid, coumarins, and flavonoids. The HI extract was subjected to column chromatography by using 250 g of Silica Gel G, successively eluted with a mobile phase of with a petroleum ether., petroleum ether-benzene(4:1), benzene and benzene-ethyl acetate mixture (1:1) was carried out. The fraction of HI (HIF) were collected and subjected to a chemical test, developed red–violet colour indicating the presence of terpenoid like lupeol, further on TLC of 0.1% HIF and standard lupeol in methanol showed development of violet colour with Rf value of 0.45 compared with standard lupeol. Acute toxicity was carried out as per OECD guidelines no. 423. Wistar albino adult rats of either sex weighing 180–200 g and 10–12 weeks old fasted overnight, and a single intraperitoneal injection of 65 mg/kg streptozotocin was used to induce diabetic neuropathy. The thirty-six Wistar albino rats were divided into six groups and subjected to thermal hyperalgesia and cold allodynia evaluations using tail immersion and the hot plate method. The inhibition of aldose reductase in-vitro was carried out. The HIF did not exhibit any toxicity when given orally at a dose of 2000 mg/kg b.w., and the experimental group neither shows marked behavioral changes nor mortality. In contrast to Normal Conrol (NC), and the Diabetic Control (DC) group demonstrated a reduction in reaction time (hyperalgesia), but HIF at various dosages (HIF50, HIF100, and HIF200) and SCG were associated with a considerable prolongation of reaction time. At different dosage levels, HIF significantly decreased blood sugar levels (BSL) and body weight on 15thd and 28th d in STZ induced diabetic rats. Aldose reductase inhibition in vitro was noted with an IC50 of 126.09μg/mL.The study demonstrate lupeol containing HIF inhibits hyperalgesia and lowers BSL in experimental diabetic neuropathy. Aldose-reductase (AR) levels were also decreased, which may be a significant factor in lowering the risk of diabetic neuropathy complications.