Antidiabetic Effect of the Roots of Streblus asper in Alloxan-induced Diabetes Mellitus

The extract of the roots of Streblus caper Lour. (Family-Moraceae) was tested for antidiabetic activity by glucose tolerance test in normal mice and alloxan induced diabetic mice. Petroleum ether extract had shown significant protection and lowered the blood glucose levels to normal in glucose tolerance test. In alloxan induced diabetic mice the maximum reduction in blood glucose was observed after 4 h at dose level of 250 mg/kg of body weight. The percentage protection by petroleum ether extracts 30 and 48 % respectively. In long term treatment (sub acute study) of alloxan induced diabetic mice, the degree of protection was determined by measuring blood glucose levels on 0, 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 th day. The extract showed a significant antidiabetic activity comparable with that of glibenclamide. The results indicate that the Streblus asper root possess significant antidiabetic activity.