Abstract

Abstract : Calamus rotang L (Asteraceae) locally called as Pirampu have long been used in Ayurvedic medicinal preparations in the Indian traditional system of medicine. It has been used in folklore medicine for the treatment of diabetes. The aim of the present study to evaluate the anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects of Calamus rotang L leaves in streptozotocin- nicotinamide (STZ-NC) induced diabetic model. The ethanol extract of C. rotang L leaves (100 and 200 mg/kg) were administered orally for 28 days, in STZ-NC induced diabetic rats on fasting blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin, total haemoglobin, lipid profiles, lipoproteins, hepatic marker enzymes activity and histopathology of pancreas was performed. The statistical analysis of results was carried out using one-way analysis (ANOVA) followed by post hoc multiple comparison tests. The ethanol extract of C. rotang L leaves at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg indicate significant decrease in fasting blood glucose level and significant improvement in body weight. The ethanol extract of C. rotang L leaves has significantly reduced the level of HbA1C, TC, TG, LDL, VLDL, AST, ALT and ALP while a significant increment in the level of Hb, HDL cholesterol was observed. Furthermore, the ethanol extract of C. rotang L leaves has a favorable effect on the histopathological changes of the pancreas in STZ-NC induced diabetes. These findings suggest that the first time ethanol extract of C. rotang L leaves possesses significant anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic potential which may prove the claimed use of the plant in amelioration of diabetes and associated complications.