Antidiabetic activity of Ficus amplissima Smith. bark extract in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Ficus amplissima commonly known as kal-itchchi have a long history of use in Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani herbal preparations in Indian traditional system of medicine. It has been used in folklore medicine for the treatment of diabetes. Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of methanolic extract of the bark of Ficus amplissima (FAB) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Materials and methods: Oral administration of FAB bark at the doses of 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg was studied in normal, glucose-loaded and STZ induced diabetic rats. Results: The three doses caused significant reduction in blood glucose levels in all the models. The effect was more pronounced in 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg than 150 mg/kg. FAB also showed significant increase in serum insulin and body weight. The glycogen content in liver, skeletal muscle, total protein contents were markedly increased and marker enzymes of hepatic function of STZ-induced diabetic rats while there was significant reduction in the levels of serum triglyceride and total cholesterol. FAB also showed significant anti-lipid peroxidative effect in the pancreas of STZ-induced diabetic rats. The anti-diabetic effect of FAB was compared with glibenclamide, a well known hypoglycemic drug. Histological analysis showed the regenerative effect of FAB on the p-cells of diabetic rats. Conclusion: Results of this experimental study indicated that FAB possessed anti-diabetic and antioxidant activities. Hence it could be used as a natural source of antidiabetic (Type-I) and antioxidant drug. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.