Preventive effects of Trichosanthes dioica in STZ-Nicotinamide induced type (II) diabetes

The present study was aimed to scientifically validate the use of Trichosanthes dioica fruits in prevention of diabetes by evaluating their antihyperglycemic and antilipidemic potential. The effect was observed on fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels of STZ-nicotinamide (45, 110 mg/kg BW, respectively, i.p) induced diabetic rats after seven days daily administration of chloroform extract rich in moderately polar components (250 mg/Kg BW, p.o). FBG was significantly reduced (p < 0.05 %), when estimated on seventh day of treatment with fruit extract compared to diabetic control. Pre-treatment with fruit extract for seven days also normalized the blood glucose to basal level by the third hour of oral glucose challenge (2g/Kg BW, p.o) in diabetic rats. Moreover, the treatment with fruit extract resulted in significant reduction in the levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides comparable to metformin. Results of the present study showed that chloroform extract of T. dioica possesses antihyperglycemic properties and beneficial effects on diabetic hyperlipidemia. All these effects could be due to the bioactive components revealed in the T. dioica fruits such as cucurbitacins, which could justify their ethnomedical use.