Abstract
The leaves of Ichnocarpus frutescens (L). Br. (Apocynaceae) are used extensively in the form of decoction in Ayurveda for treating diabetes. The objective of this investigation was taken to ascertain the scientific basis for the use of I. frutescens in the management of diabetes, using streptozotocin-induced type II diabetic rats. The total polyphenol extract of the plant leaf was tested for its oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) antidiabetic efficacy for 30 days on carbohydrate metabolism in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. In OGTT, at 60 min, the maximum decrease of blood glucose was observed with 200 mg/kg of polyphenolic extracts (PPE). Oral administration of I. frutescens leaves PPE in graded doses caused a significantly lowered fasting blood glucose levels and lipid profiles in the liver of type II diabetic rats. Effects of PPE on glycolytic enzymes showed a significant increase in their levels, whereas a significant decrease was observed in the levels of gluconeogenic enzyme in treated diabetic rats. The present investigation suggests that the antihyperglycemic effect of PPE of leaves of I. frutescens is mediated through modulation of hepatic carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes in streptozotocin-induced type II diabetic rats. It also explains the basis for its traditional use by tribal community of southern India.