Evaluation of petroleum ether heartwood extract of Cedrus deodara in healthy and diabetic rats

Abstract

Background and Aim: Global prevalence of diabetes is increasing rapidly. Herbal medicinal plants for diabetes give good results with fewer side effects. The current study was conducted in a Cedrus deodara plant to evaluate the hypoglycemic activity and antidiabetic activity of petroleum ether extract of Cedrus deodara (PEECD) which may be helpful for diabetes patient. Methods: PEECD at three different doses of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg was administered to normal rats (n = 36, group = 6) and alloxan-induced diabetic rats (n = 36, group = 6). Glucose tolerance test (GTT) was also assessed in experimental models. Statistical analysis used was one-way ANOVAs. Results: With the 400 mg/kg dose, there was a definite hypoglycemic response which was markedly significant and comparable to standard drug glibenclamide. Both the PEECD 200 and 400 mg/kg dose significantly reduced blood glucose level of diabetic rats nearer to the normal level by 21st day. The PEECD 400 mg/kg dose showed significant effectiveness in reducing the GTT values which was comparable to standard. Conclusion: These test results justified to some extent that the folklore medicine and PEECD could be added to traditional preparations for the ailment of various diabetes-associated complications by further study.