Hypoglycemic activity of Eugenia jambolana and Ficus bengalensis: mechanism of action.

The extract of jaman pulp from fruit of Eugenia jambolana showed hypoplycemic activity. This report is the first evidence of such activity in relation to pulp. The effect of pulp was seen in 30 min, while the seeds of the same fruit required 24 hr. The extracts of bark of Ficus bengalensis caused reduction in blood sugar level. These results were confirmed in streptozotocin-induced diabetic animals. The oral administration of the extract resulted in enhancement in serum insulin levels in normoglycemic and diabetic rats. The incubation of isolated islets of Langerhans from normal as well as from diabetic animals with each of these plant extracts stimulated insulin secretion. These extracts inhibited insulinase activity from liver and kidney.