Effect of Gymnema sylvestre R. Br. leaves extract on certain physiological parameters of diabetic rats

Gymnema sylvestre R. Br. (G. sylvestre) belonging to the family Asclepiadaceae, has been used as a traditional medicine plant in Africa, Australia and Asia especially in India. Aim of the study: The present study aimed to clarify the effect of G. sylvestre leaves extract on several physiological parameters of diabetic rats. Materials and methods: G. sylvestre leaves extract (18 mg/kg body weight) was orally administered for 30 days to normal and streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats. Results: STZ-diabetic rats exhibited a significant increase in plasma glucose, liver function enzymes [alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransaminase (AST)], triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol malondialdehyde, catalase, reduced glutathione and a significant decrease in insulin, HDL-cholesterol and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase levels. Treatment diabetic rats with G. sylvestre leaves extract significantly decreased plasma glucose, ALT, AST, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, malondialdehyde and significantly increased insulin, HDL-cholesterol and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase levels compared to untreated diabetic rats. Conclusion: It could be concluded that G. sylvestre leaves extract treated diabetic rats’ complications including hyperglycemia, hypoinsulinemia, hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress.