Pre Clinical Evaluation of Anti-Diabetic Effect of Hydro Alcoholic Extract of Siddha Mono Herbal Drug Oorithalthaamarai Chooranam (OTC) on Streptozotocin (STZ) Induced Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Wistar Albino Rats

Abstract

Background
Diabetes mellitus is one of the diseases causing serious complications and death in many developed and developing countries. Herbal plants are highly effective in reducing blood sugar and in inducing pancreatic tissues for the secretion of insulin and also useful in reducing secondary complications and death.
Aim
To evaluate the anti-diabetic activity of hydro alcoholic extract of Siddha mono herbal drug Oorithalthaamarai chooranam (OTC) on Streptozotocin (STZ) induced Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Wistar albino rats.
Materials and methods
Diabetes mellitus is induced in Wistar rats by single intraperitoneal injection of freshly prepared solution of STZ monohydrate (150mg/kg Body Weight) in physiological saline after overnight fasting for 12hr. The development of hyperglycaemia in rats is confirmed by plasma glucose estimation 72 hr post STZ injection. The rats with fasting plasma glucose level of 200-260mg/dl were used for this experiment. Anti-diabetic activity was conducted on Wistar albino rats by determining serum glucose level and liver enzyme glycogen levels. After 28 days of treatment, the blood glucose level and body weight were measured. Then blood was collected from retro-orbital puncture under light ether anaesthesia using capillary tubes. Blood was collected in fresh vials containing EDTA as anticoagulant agents and plasma was separated in a T8 electric centrifuge at 2000 rpm for 5 minutes. Then animal was sacrificed by euthanasia method. Liver and pancreas were immediately dissected out; the blood and liver were used for estimation of enzyme activity while pancreas was subjected to histo-pathological studies.
Results
The OTC possesses strong anti-diabetic effect against STZ induced Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Wistar albino rats, which is evidenced by a considerable decrease in blood sugar level