This research aims to investigate the antidiabetic activity of Nerium indicum (Family: Apocynaceae) leaf extract in alloxan induced diabetic albino rats. A comparison was made between the action of Nerium indicum extracts and a known antidiabetic drug glibenclamide (600 µg/kg body wt.). An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was also performed in experimental diabetic rats. The petroleum ether, chloroform, alcohol and aqueous extracts of Nerium indicum were obtained by simple maceration method and subjected to standardization by following pharmacognostical and phytochemical screening methods. Dose selection was made on the basis of acute oral toxicity study (50mg to 5000 mg/kg body weight) as per OECD guidelines. Nerium indicum chloroform extract (NICE) and ethanolic extract (NIEE) showed signiÞ cant (P<0.001) antidiabetic activity. In alloxan induced model, blood glucose level of these extracts on the seventh day of study were NICE (113.33±6.662) and NIEE (169.33±9.735) in comparison of diabetic control (413.50 ±4.752) and petroleum ether extract (337.83±25.515). In OGGT model (glucose loaded rats), NICE exhibited glucose level after 30 min. (164.33±5.661) and 90 min. (121.00±2.966) whereas NIEE after 30 min. (174.16±3.380) and 90 min. (128.00±5.266). These extracts also prevented body weight loss in diabetic rats. The antihyperglycemic action of the extracts may be due to improving the glycemic control mechanisms. The drug has the potential to act as antidiabetic drug.
Key words: Acute toxicity, Alloxan monohydrate, Antidiabetic activity, Nerium indicum.
