In vitro and in vivo anti-diabetic activities of ethanolic leaf extracts of Guizotia abyssinica

Management of type 2 diabetes with an agent having no side effects is still a challenge for the researchers, however if the side effects are lessened & there may be a chance for reduced adverse reactions or severe side effects due to drug interaction. These interactions may be due to either any concomitant drug therapy or any dietary supplements taken together with the drugs. This study sought to evaluate the antidiabetic potentials of ethanolic extract of leaf of Guizotia abyssinica (G. abyssinica) in diabetic rats. Qualitative analysis of various phytochemical constituents was determined by the well-known test protocol available in the literature.  The in vitro alpha-amylase inhibitory activity of the G. abyssinica was done by spectrophotometric method. The in-vivo method was performed by administering orally the ethanolic extract of G. abyssinica in streptozotocin-induced male Albino Wistar rats. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, phenols, flavonoids, tannins. The study was compared using standard Glibenclamide (2 mg/kg body weight). The ethanolic extracts of G. abyssinica leaves exhibited the dose dependent aplha-amylase inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of acarbose and extract was found to 61 µg/ml and 75 µg/ml respectively. Oral treatment of ethanolic extract of G. abyssinica using rat oral needle at 200 and 400 mg/kg doses significantly (p<0.001) decreased blood glucose levels in diabetic rats than control rats indicating that G. abyssinica is a promising source as a herbal medicine.