Holarrhena antidysenterica

This study explored the effect of bark of Holarrhena antidysenterica Linn in management of diabetic neuropathy in experimental animals. Adult Wistar rats (either sex; 250-275 g) were injected with streptozotocin (50 mg/kg; i.p.) to induce diabetes. Methanol extract of bark of Holarrhena antidysenterica was administered in 3 doses (200, 400 and 600 mg/kg; p.o.) to rats for 28 successive days daily after 4 weeks of STZ administration. After 8 weeks, the neuropathic activity was evaluated using Open field test, Tail Flick test, Cold Allodynia and Formalin test. Afterwards, sciatic nerve was used for TBARS, GSH, Nitrite, Catalase and protein estimations. STZ induced diabetic neuropathy caused decrease in tail-flick latency time in radiant heat test and decreased allodynic response in tail-immersion (cold water) test. STZ caused increase in blood glucose, Glycosylated Haemoglobin and blood Cholesterol levels. Furthermore, activity of endogenous antioxidants like GSH and catalase significantly decreased; however, TBARS and nitrite levels were increased. Administration of MEHA for 28 days prevented the development of diabetic neuropathy as evident from reversed (p< 0.05) cold allodynia and tail flick latency (p< 0.05) as compared to diabetic control group. Glycosylated haemoglobin and cholesterol levels were significantly decreased (p< 0.05) in rats as compared to diabetic control group. MEHA treated rats showed significant decreased TBARS and nitrite levels and increased GSH and Catalase level. Thus, Holarrhena antidysenterica not only improved the diabetic condition but also reversed neuropathic pain through modulation of oxidative–nitrosative stress.

In past there have been many medicinal plants, which have been used in traditional medicines for their antidiabetic properties without any scientific support and pharmacological evidence. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antihyperglycemic activity of the crude extracts of leaves of Holarrhena antidysenterica. The pet ether, chloroform and ethanolic extracts have been subjected to estimate the anti-hyperglycemic activity in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Blood glucose levels were measured using the commercially available glucometer. Glibenclamide was used as a reference drug at a dose of 0.6 mg/kg. The antioxidant activity of the test samples was studied in the liver tissue of diabetic rats by measuring catalase and lipid peroxidation levels. The results showed that ethanolic extract possessed a significant antihyperglycaemic and antioxidant activity equipotent with the reference drug (glibenclamide), when evaluated in diabetic rats.