EFFECT OF STRYCHNOS NUX VOMICA LEAF EXTRACT ON STREPTOZOTOCIN INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

ABSTRACT Background: Plants have been used as a source of drug for the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus in developing countries where the cost of conventional medicines represents a burden to population. Management of Diabetes Mellitus is a global problem and successful treatment is very essential for preventing or at least delaying the onset of long term complications of the disorder. Strychnos nuxvomica Linn is a plant used in the traditional system of medicine in India for the treatment of Diabetes mellitus. Aim: The Anti-diabetic property of Strychnos nuxvomica along with its antioxidant property is studied. Materials and Methods: The extract was initially subjected for preliminary phytochemical analysis followed by toxicological evaluation. Wister rats were made use of to study the antidiabetic activity. Result and Discussion: Preliminary Phytochemical analysis of the methanolic extract of leaf showed that the plant has a rich possession of phytochemicals like alkaloids, reducing sugars, tannins and phenols. Terpenoids, steroids, gums and mucilage were absent in the extract. Acute oral toxicity studies reveal that methanolic leaf extract did not produce any mortality or signs of toxicity at the dose of 500mg/kg b.w.p.o in experimental rats. Conclusion: The extract of Strychnos nuxvomica showed significant anti-diabetic activity with acute oral toxicity studies revealing that Strychnous Nuxvomica Methanolic leaf extract did not produce any mortality or signs of toxicity at the dose of 500mg/kg b.w.p.o in experimental rats. KEYWORDS: Anti-diabetic, Strychnos nuxvomica, Toxicity, Phytochemicals