Anti-hyperglycemic and Anti-lipidperoxidative Effects of Tephrosia purpurea leaf Extract in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

Objective: The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the anti-hyperglycemic and anti-lipidperoxidative effects of Tephrosia purpurea leaves (TpALet) in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods : The aqueous extract of Tephrosia purpurea leaves was evaluated for its anti-hyperglycemic and antilipidperoxidative effects in streptozotocin (50mg/kg bw) induced diabetic rats. The anti-hyperglycemic effect of the leaf extract was also compared with the standard anti-diabetic drug glibenclamide (600μg/kg bw). Glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, total hemoglobin, lipid peroxidation by products (TBARS), enzymatic and non-enzymatic anti-oxidants in blood sample and hexokinase and glucose-6-phosphatase activities in liver were estimated calorimetrically in control and experimental animals. Results: "TpALet" considerably reduced the levels of blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and enhanced the status of total hemoglobin, anti-oxidants and hepatic hexokinase and glucose-6-phosphatase activities. "TpALet" also showed a comparable effect to that of glibenclamide. Conclusion: Our results indicate that T. purpurea leaves have potent anti-hyperglycemic and anti-lipidperoxidative effects, which are probably due to its anti-oxidants effect.