ANTIDIABETIC EFFECT OF Macrotyloma uniflorum Lam Verdc LEAVES ON STREPTOZOTOCIN NICOTINAMIDE INDUCED DIABETIC RATS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ADIPONECTIN

Abstract

The present observation provide evidence that ethanolic leaf extract of M. uniflorum exhibited antidiabetic activity on streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetic rats. This was due to the enhancement of peripheral utilization of glucose by correcting the impaired liver glycolysis and suppression of its gluconeogenic activity similar to insulin. This positive effect may be due to the presence of alkaloids, flavanoids, terpenoids, saponins, glycosides and other constituents present in the leaves which could act synergically or independently restore the carbohydrate metabolising enzymes and alleviate oxidative stress by enhancing the antioxidant system. The isolated compounds from M. uniflorum were able to up regulate the mRNA expression of adiponectin. Although the mechanism underlying this regulation is unclear, this research supports the inclusion of this plant in traditional antidiabetic preparations and the isolated compounds from M. uniflorum could serve as better candidates for the development of antidiabetic formulations.