Evaluation of Antidiabetic Potential of Hibiscus rosasinensis Leaves Extract in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Hibiscus rosa sinensis (Cucurbitaceous), possess a wide range of pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activity. In the present study, we have evaluated the hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant properties of Hibiscus rosa sinensis leaves extract in alloxaninduced experimental diabetic rats. The phytochemical screening of the Hibiscus rosa sinensis ethanolic leaves extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavanoids, tannins, carbohydrates, phenols, saponins and glycosides. The effect of oral administration of Hibiscus rosa sinensis leaves extract (250 mg/kg b.w.) on the levels of biochemical parameters were determined in experimental groups of rats. The altered levels of biochemical parameters in the diabetic rats were significantly reverted back to near basal values by the administration of Hibiscus rosa sinensis leaves extract for 30 days. The level of glycogen content was improved upon the extract treatment. The altered activities of serum aminotransferases and alkaline phosphatase were restored to normalcy. The levels of lipid peroxides in the plasma and pancreatic tissues of diabetic rats were elevated significantly and were normalized by the administration of Hibiscus rosa sinensis leaves extract. The activities of pancreatic, hepatic enzymatic antioxidants and the levels of plasma non-enzymatic antioxidants were markedly declined in the diabetic rats. Upon treatment with Hibiscus rosa sinensis leaves extract to diabetic rats, decreased levels were elevated to near normal values. The altered levels of lipid profile were reverted back to near normalcy upon the extract treatment. The results of the study indicate that Hibiscus rosa sinensis leaves extract possesses antidiabetic, antioxidant and antilipidemic activity. The results are comparable with gliclazide, an oral standard hypoglycemic drug. The phytochemicals present in the Hibiscus rosa sinensis leaves extract may account for the observed pharmacological properties.