EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS METHANOL EXTRACT OF ALBIZZIA LEBBEK BENTH SEEDS ON VARIOUS BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN ALLOXAN-INDUCED DIABETIC RABBITS

Summary In this study we observed that methanol extract of Albizzia lebbek Benth significantly decreased in fasting blood glucose levels, total cholesterol, Triglycerides, serum Glutamate Oxaloacetate and Pyruvate Transaminase (sGOT and sGPT) while it causes increase in the High density lipids (HDLs), however it could not produce any significant change in serum Creatinine clearance in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits. It also increased the weights of diabetic treated rabbits. In normal rabbits, both methanol extract of A.lebbek B seeds and gliclizide produced a significant decrease (P<0.05; P<0.001) in blood glucose level. The hypoglycemic effect of methanol extract of A.lebbek B seeds in normal rabbits was comparable with gliclizide. In Alloxan induced diabetic rabbits, methanol extract of A.lebbek B seeds produced a significant decrease (P<0.001) in blood glucose level. While, gliclizide could not produce any significant hypoglycemic effect in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits. A significant increase (P<0.05) in the weights of treated diabetic rabbits receiving 200 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg body weight methanol extract of A.lebbek B seeds was noted. These doses also significantly (P<0.05) lowered the plasma total Cholesterol, Triglyceride and Lowdensity lipids (LDLs) in treated rabbits as compared to diabetic rabbits. Furthermore, same dose also significantly (P<0.05) increase the plasma HDL levels of treated group when compared with diabetic group. Feeding methanol extract of A.lebbek B seeds (200 mg/kg and 250 mg/Kg) improved the liver function in diabetic rabbits as shown by reduction in serum sGOT and sGPT. Acute toxicity studies showed that 2500 mg/kg body weight methanol extract of A.lebbek B seeds could not produce any lethal effect in rabbits. This is the first pilot study to provide biochemical evidence of potential of A.lebbek B in diabetes.