Studies on the Ameliorative Potential of Aqueous Extract of Bark of Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb in Streptozotocin - Induced Diabetic Rats

A study was planned to evaluate the ameliorative potential of aqueous extract of bark of Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb (PM) in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. The effect of oral administration of plant extract on serum electrolytes, serum glycolytic enzymes, liver microsomal protein, hepatic cytochrome P-450 dependent monooxygenase enzymes and lipid peroxidation of the liver and kidney of streptozoticin - induced diabetic rats was studied. Administration of the bark extract to diabetic rats restored the levels of serum electrolytes, glycolytic enzymes and hepatic cytochrome P-450 dependent enzyme systems by preventing the formation of liver and kidney lipid peroxides at the end of study period of 12 weeks. Further, the bark extract at the dosage of 500mg/kg/ day exhibits a significant ameliorative activity as evidenced by the histological studies in normal and PM treated STZ - induced diabetic rats. On the basis of our findings, it could be used as an effective ameliorative agent for the management of diabetes and associated metabolic alterations.