Comparative studies of various species of amaranthus for anti diabetic and anti cholesterolemic activities

Abstract

Plants produce a diverse range of bioactive molecules, making them a rich source of different types of medicines. A regular and widespread uses of herbs throughout the world has increased serious concern over their quality, safety, and efficacy. Thus, a proper scientific evidence or assessment has become the criteria for acceptance of herbal health claims. In the present study, Amaranthus caudatus, Amaranthus spinosus and Amaranthus viridis belong to the family Amaranthaceae were selected based on ethnomedical claims. Since there was no scientific evidence it was felt to carryout the comparative studies of various species of Amaranthus for antidiabetic and anticholesterolemic activities using different models. newlineSuccessive solvent extraction of powdered leaves of three plants were carried out using different solvents viz., Petroleum ether (60 -800c), chloroform, acetone, methanol and water were subjected to phytochemical screening. Methanol and aqueous extracts were determined for total phenolic and flavonoid content, TLC and HPTLC studies. The methanol and aqueous extracts of three plants were evaluated for antidiabetic and anticholesterolemic activities by using different models. The antidiabetic activity was carriedout by using alloxan and STZ induced diabetes for 21 days at 200 and 400mg/kg p.o. Blood glucose , lipid profile, histology of rat pancreas, changes in body weight were determined. The anticholesterolemic activity was carriedout by using hypocholeterolemic activity for 8 days and Triton induced hyperlipidemia for 24hrs and 48hrs at 200,300 and 400mg/kg p.o. Serum cholesterol, triglycerides,HDL and LDL were determined. newlinePhytochemical studies showed the presence of phytoconstituents like glycosides, , phenolic compounds, , tannins, proteins and aminoacids, fixed oils and fats and carbohydrates showed positive tests. Methanol and aqueous extracts of A. viridis had the highest phenol and flavonoid content of 83.26 ug/mg GAE, 52.82ug/mg GAE and 138.89 ug/mg RE, 98.28 ug/mg RE respectively.The acute LD50 val