Ameliorative Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Aerial Parts of Eclipta Alba on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes in Albino Rats

Abstract

Introduction: In type2 DM the blood sugar-regulating mechanisms fail and the blood glucose concentration becomes high. More than two-thirds of the diabetic population is from middle and low-income countries. Plant-based medicines are considered a safe and alternative choice in the treatment of diabetes. The increasing cost of the chemical hypoglycemic drugs and their undesirable effects throws light on the need of alternative therapies. Eclipta alba is a  medicinal plant used in the traditional system of medicine since many years for the treatment of anemia, liver disorders. The decoction of the leaves is used to treat diabetes in rural areas. However the scientific evidence regarding its usage is lacking.

Objectives: To find the hypoglycemic effect of the ethanolic extract of eclipta alba in streptozotocin induced diabetes in albino rats and also to study the effect of the extract on the liver enzymes, total cholesterol, triglycerides, total RBC, total WBC values

Methods: Preliminary phytochemical analysis was done. 30 albino rats of both sexes divided into 5 groups of 6 in each are used in this study. Streptozotocin induced diabetic group is compared with the normal group and the ethanolic extract of Eclipta alba extract treated group

Results:  Phytochemical analysis shows the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins. In the extract treated group there is a decrease in the fasting blood glucose levels, there is an increase in the RBC, WBC counts, and decrease in the  liver enzymes, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in a dose dependent manner.

Conclusions: Eclipta alba is proved to be safe and effective in the treatment of type 2 DM and the usage of the plant in the traditional system of medicine is justified..