Assessment of the Antidiabetic Activity of Syzygium cumini (Linn.) Skeels in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

Background: Syzygium cumini (Linn.) Skeels belonging to family Myrtaceae have been documented to elicit hypoglycemic activity. Herbal preparations of Syzygium cumini have been considered as safe, effective and economical for various ailments in Indian traditional system of medicine. Its seed extract is used for the treatment of diabetes. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the hypoglycemic potential and effect on various biochemical parameters of 70 % v/v hydro-alcoholic extract of seeds of Syzygium cumini (SCE) in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Materials and method: Albino Wister male rats of weighing between 150 to 200 gms were used for the study. Diabetes was induced by injecting alloxan (120 mg/kg, i.p.). Rats were divided into different groups for the study. Group I served as normal control, Group II served as diabetic control, Group III served as standard control and treated by Tolbutamide at a dose of 100 mg/kg p.o. Group IV served as diabetic rats treated with hydro-alcoholic extract of seeds of Syzygium cumini at a dosage of 500 mg/kg body weight. All the treatments were given for 21 days. At the end of study on 21 day over night fasted rats were sacrificed and blood was collected to determine fasting blood glucose and biochemical findings. Result: Diabetic rats treated with SCE at a dose of 500 mg/kg significantly (P<0.01) reduced fasting blood glucose and normalize the lipid profile, renal profile and hepatic profile. Improvement in the histopathology of pancreas and liver of SCE treated rats confirmed its protective role in diabetes. Conclusion: It can be concluded that SCE possess antidiabetic activity and may be beneficial in improving complications associated with diabetes mellitus.