Abstract

The present study aims to study the hypoglycemic effect of methanol extract of Andrographis echioides (MEAE) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Hyperglycemia was induced in rats by single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (55 mg/kg bodyweight). Three days after STZ induction, the hyperglycemic rats were treated with MEAE orally at the doses of 200, 500, and 800 mg/kg body weight daily for 21 days. Glibenclamide (1 mg/kg, orally) was used as reference drug. The fasting blood glucose levels were measured on each 7th day during the 21 days of treatment. Serum biochemical parameters including lipid content were estimated. MEAE at the doses of 200, 500 and 800 mg/kg orally significantly (P < 0.01) and dose dependently reduced and normalized blood glucose levels as compared to that of STZ control group; the dose 800 mg/kg being the most potent showing complete normalization of blood glucose levels. Serum biochemical parameters including lipid profile were significantly (P < 0.01) restored toward normal levels in MEAE-treated rats as compared to STZ control animals. This study concludes that Andrographis echioides demonstrated promising hypoglycemic action in STZ-induced diabetic rats substantiating its ethno medicinal use.