Biochemical Evaluation of Hypoglycemic Activity of Musa paradisiaca (Plantain) Flowers in STZ-Induced Experimental Diabetes in Rats

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic, multifactorial endocrine disorder characterised by elevated levels of fasting and post prandial blood glucose levels. Though drugs are plenty for the treatment of diabetes, none is found to be ideal due to undesirable side effects. Hence search for noval drugs, especially from plant origin continues. Based on folkloric use, the present study was designed to evaluate the hypoglycemic potential of Musa Paradisiaca flower extract (MPFE) in STZ-induced experimental diabetes in rats. Acute oral toxicity studies revealed the non-toxic nature of flower extract. Phytochemical investigations indicated the presence of biologically active ingredients in the flower extract. Oral administration of MPFE extract at a concentration of 200 mg/kg body weight/day for 30 days significantly reduced the levels of blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, urea, uric acid and creatinine in the diabetic rats treated with the flower extract. The observed decrease in the levels of plasma insulin and hemoglobin in the diabetic rats were elevated to near normal by MPFE treatment indicated the potent hypoglycemic nature of flower extract. The efficacy of the MPFE was comparable with gliclazide, a known hypoglycemic drug.