Photochemical Investigation and Hypogkycemic activity of cucumis trigous and cassia gauca

Abstract

Context: In ethnomedicine, fruits of Cucumis trigonus ( Cucurbitaceae ) and bark and leaves Cassia glauca ( Caesalpiniacea ) are reported for the treatment of diabetic conditions. Current literature indicates the absence of scientific evidence to support the claims. Though, the plants are widely used for multiple property, but these have not been standardized Pharmacognostically. Evaluation of medicines prescribed in Ayurvedic classics utilizing modern scientific tools and techniques reveal the fact that they are amazingly relevant even today and have the capabilities to take care of diabetes mellitus. Objective: The present study was undertaken to establish Pharmacognostic standards and to scientifically evaluate the phytochemical constituents and their related pharmacological effects of hypoglycemic activity of Cassia glauca and fruits of Cucumis trigonus extracts in different models of rats. Materials and methods: Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies were carried out by using standard procedures mentioned in the literature. For evaluation of hypoglycaemic properties of the plants extracts, the acute effect of the aqueous extracts was evaluated by oral administration of extract at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg to normoglycemic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. In chronic model, the aqueous extract (500 mg/kg/day) and glibenclamide (0.25 mg/kg/day) were orally administered to normal and STZ-induced diabetic rats for 21 days. Blood glucose levels and body weights were monitored at specific intervals along with estimation of other biochemical parameters at the end of the study. Abstract Results and discussion: In the acute model, the aqueous extract of Cassia glauca bark and leaves at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight showed significant effect in STZ-induced diabetic rats. After 21 days, the aqueous extract of CGB and CTF showed significant decrease in fasting blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin, total cholesterol and serum triglycerides levels. Conclusion: Standardization of medicinal plants pla