Assessment of antidiabetic antiobesitic and cardio protective properties of sargassum wightii greville j Agardh from Gulf of mannar

Abstract

Diabetes is a chronic disorder carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism characterized by fasting elevations of blood sugar (glucose) level and greatly increased risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and loss of nerve function. Diabetes can occur when the pancreas does not secrete enough insulin, or if the cells of the body become resistant to insulin; hence, the blood sugar cannot get into the cells which then leads to serious complications. The classic symptoms of diabetes are frequent urination, excessive thirst and appetite. Because these symptoms are not very serious, many with diabetes do not seek medical care. In fact, of the more than 10 million Indians with diabetes, fewer than half know that they have diabetes or ever consult a physician. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is prevalent in all countries of the world. More than 30 million people are said to be affected throughout the world with this disease. It is presently the most common non-communicable disease worldwide and it is the fourth or fifth leading cause of death in most developed countries (Amos et al., 1997). DM is divided into two major categories: type I and type II. Type I or Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) occurs most often in children and adolescents. Type II or Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) usually has an onset after 40 years of age. The treatment of DM is based on oral anti-hyperglycaemic agents and insulin. However, DM is also treated in Indian traditional medicine using anti-diabetic medicinal plants (Nagarajan et al., 1987). The oral anti-hyperglycaemic agents currently used in clinical practice have characteristic profiles of serious side effects (Pickup and Williams, 1991). newline