Hypoglycemic effect of ethyl acetate fraction of methanol extract from Campylandra aurantiaca rhizome on high-fat diet and low-dose streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Background: Campylandra aurantiaca (Asparagaceae), commonly known as Nakima in Sikkimese Tibetan, is a plant grown in South-Central China and Northeast India. Objective: To evaluate the hypoglycemic activity of ethyl acetate fraction of methanol extract from C. aurantiaca rhizome (EFCA) in high-fat diet (HFD) and low-dose streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: In rats fed with HFD for 4 weeks, hyperglycemia was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (35 mg/kg body weight). Seven days after STZ induction, the hyperglycemic rats were treated with EFCA orally at the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w. daily for 28 days. Glibenclamide (0.5 mg/kg, orally) was used as reference drug. The fasting blood glucose levels were measured on every 7th day during the 28 days of treatment. Serum and hepatorenal biochemical parameters were estimated. Histological study of the pancreas was also performed. Results: EFCA at the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg orally significantly (P < 0.05) and dose dependently reduced and normalized blood glucose levels as compared to that of STZ control group. Serum and hepatorenal parameters were significantly (P < 0.05) restored toward normal levels in EFCA-treated rats as compared to HFD-STZ control animals. Conclusion: The present study concludes that C. aurantiaca rhizome demonstrated promising hypoglycemic action in HFD-STZ-induced diabetic rats.