Antidiabetic activity of ethanol extract of leaves of flax plant (Linum usitatissimum L.)

The aim of the present study was to evaluate antidiabetic activity of ethanol extract of leaves of Flax plant (Linum usitatissimum) in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Ethanol extract of leaves of Linum usitatissimum (EELL) or glibenclamide was administered to the rats orally daily for 28 days. Blood glucose levels at weekly interval and on 29th day, serum biochemical parameters were carried out to evaluate its antidiabetic effect in diabetic rats. Blood glucose, creatinine, BUN, AST and ALT levels were significantly increased in STZ induced diabetic rats as compared to vehicle control rats. After 28 days administration of EELL showed the significant decrease in above levels as compared to diabetic control rats. The study results suggest that the ethanol extract of leaves of Linum usitatissimum clearly demonstrated the antidiabetic activity in an experimental model of rats