Pyrus biossieriana Buhse leaf extract: An antioxidant, antihyperglycaemic and antihyperlipidemic agent.

The antihyperglycaemic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant effects of wild pear (Pyrus biossieriana Buhse) leaf extract were investigated. An alloxan-induced rat model of hyperglycaemia was used to evaluate the antihyperglycaemic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant properties of the Pyrus biossieriana Buhse leaf extract. The arbutin content of Pyrus biossieriana Buhse leaves, measured by HPLC, was 12.6 dry weight percent. Administration of the Pyrus biossieriana Buhse leaf extract (at doses of 500 and 1000mg/kg/day) significantly reduced the increase in serum glucose concentration seen in alloxan-treated hyperglycaemic rats. Both concentrations of the extract enhanced serum insulin levels compared to the control group. Both high and low doses of the extract decreased serum triacylglycerol (TG) and cholesterol (CHOL) levels as compared to controls. Serum antioxidant levels were significantly higher in rats treated with low (500mg/kg/day) and high (1000mg/kg/day) doses of Pyrus biossieriana Buhse extracts at 24, 48 and 72h after alloxan injection than in control rats. This study demonstrated that Pyrus biossieriana Buhse leaf extract reduces blood glucose and lipid levels and increases antioxidant status in rats with alloxan-induced hyperglycaemia.