Jyotsna Singh1, Poonam Kakkar. 1. Herbal Research Section, Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (Council of Scientific & Industrial Research), Post Box No. 80, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow 226001, UP, India.
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Berberis aristata DC root is used in traditional medicine for a number of ailments including metabolic disorders. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the present study was to explore the antihyperglycemic and antioxidant potential of 50% aqueous ethanolic root extract of Berberis aristata (BA) in alloxan induced diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: BA root extract (250 mg/kg) was administered to diabetic rats and standard drug glybenclamide (0.6 mg/kg) to group serving as positive control. Effect of extract on antioxidant and carbohydrate metabolism regulating enzymes of liver was studied in diabetic rats along with its safety parameters. RESULTS: The main constituents of root were identified as berberine, berbamine and palmatine through HPTLC. The extract besides being safe, lowered the blood glucose significantly without any hypoglycemic effect on their control counterparts. It increased CAT, SOD, GPx, GR activity significantly and reduced lipid peroxidation (41.6%) and protein carbonylation (30.15%). It also increased the glucokinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities and decreased glucose-6-phosphatase activity in diabetic rats which play a critical role in glucose homeostasis. CONCLUSION: Thus, the extract of Berberis aristata (root) has strong potential to regulate glucose homeostasis through decreased gluconeogenesis and oxidative stress.
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Berberis aristata DC root is used in traditional medicine for a number of ailments including metabolic disorders. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the present study was to explore the antihyperglycemic and antioxidant potential of 50% aqueous ethanolic root extract of Berberis aristata (BA) in alloxan induced diabeticrats. MATERIALS AND METHODS:BA root extract (250 mg/kg) was administered to diabeticrats and standard drug glybenclamide (0.6 mg/kg) to group serving as positive control. Effect of extract on antioxidant and carbohydrate metabolism regulating enzymes of liver was studied in diabeticrats along with its safety parameters. RESULTS: The main constituents of root were identified as berberine, berbamine and palmatine through HPTLC. The extract besides being safe, lowered the blood glucose significantly without any hypoglycemic effect on their control counterparts. It increased CAT, SOD, GPx, GR activity significantly and reduced lipid peroxidation (41.6%) and protein carbonylation (30.15%). It also increased the glucokinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities and decreased glucose-6-phosphatase activity in diabeticrats which play a critical role in glucose homeostasis. CONCLUSION: Thus, the extract of Berberis aristata (root) has strong potential to regulate glucose homeostasis through decreased gluconeogenesis and oxidative stress.