Available online at www.ijpsdr.com International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research 2009; 1(3): 191-194 191 Research Article ISSN 0975-248X Hypoglycemic and Antihyperlipidaemic Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Aerial Parts of Aerva lanata Linn. in Normal and Alloxan induced Diabetic Rats Appia Krishnan G. 1* , Rai V. K. 2 , Nandy B. C. 2 , Meena K. C. 2 , Dey S. 2 , Tyagi P. K. 2 , Tyagi L. K. 3 1 Pharmacy supervisor, Ministry of Health, Bisha Health Directorate, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2 Shri R. N. S. College of Pharmacy, Gormi, Bhind, Madhya Pradesh, India 3 Geetanjali College of Pharmaceutical Studies, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India ABSTRACT The present study was designed to evaluate the preliminary phytochemical investigation of Aerva lanata Linn. (Family, Amaranthaceae), and anti-diabetic effect of Arial parts of plant Aerva lanata Linn. in normal and Alloxan induced diabetic rats. Ethanolic extract of Arial part of Aerva lanata Linn. were evaluated for four weeks treatment for hypoglycemic activity in diabetic albino rats; at doses of 50,100 and 200 mg kg -1 body weight ,its effects on the blood glucose and other biochemical parameters like cholesterol, urea, creatinine, billirubin and SGPT in Alloxan induced diabetic rats were investigated. Diabetes was introduced by single tail-vein injection of Alloxan (60 mg kg -1 ). Oral administrations of Aerva lanata Linn. extract to diabetic animals up to four weeks; dose dependently reduced the blood glucose level, which is comparable to standard dose of Metformin. Significantly decreased in body weight was observed with diabetic control, which was partially restored upon administration Aerva lanata Linn. extract (50, 100, 200 mg kg -l ). Alcoholic extract of Arial part of A. lanata Linn. also altered other biochemical parameters level. It was concluded from the results that the alcoholic extract of A. lanata Linn. possesses anti-diabetic effect in experimental animals. Keywords: Aerva lanata Linn., phytoconstituents, anti-diabetic. INTRODUCTION Hyperglycemia is a disease ailing humanity today and is a “gift” of the modern way of life. These afflictions usually occur is a common particularly in affluent classes. Clinically, the former results from deficiency of the hormone “insulin” in the body. It is also considered to the hereditary in many cases, if treated early these conditions are perfectly manageable, but if neglected, serious complications may arise. Hyperglycemia also weakens the body’s natural defense mechanism and makes it more prone to infections by opportunistic germs. Modern medicine does not have any cure for these but can only temporarily relieve patients of their symptoms. Traditional herbal medicines, however, cure them from the aerial part. They actually enhance the *Corresponding author: Mr. Appia Krishnan G., Pharmacy Supervisor, Ministry of Health, Bisha Health Directorate, and Kingdom of Soudi Arabia Tel: +91-9755183055; Fax: (+91) 7527-286503; E-mail: appiakrishnan@yahoo.com production of Insulin in the body by restoring the proper functioning of the concerned organ (pancreas) [1] Aerva lanata Linn. (Amaranthaceae) known as ‘chaya’ in hindi and ‘Bhadram’ in Sanskrit and ‘pulai’ in Tamil. Aerva lanata Linn. is a ramous many branched hardy erect prostrate woody herb from 30 to 80 cm height, the main stem short but stout and woody at base from which arise 4 to 10 or more elongate hairy branches. The branches bears short petioles nearly orbicular leaves 8 to 20 mm long, numerous minute hairy white flowers. [2] Aerva lanata Linn (Amaranthaceae) is an herbaceous perennial weed growing wild in the hot region of India. Aerva lanata has been claimed to be useful as diuretic, anthelmintic, anti-diabetic, expectorant and hepato- protective in traditional system of medicine [3] Antimicrobial and cytotoxicity activity [4] , diuretic [5] , urolithiasis [6] and anti-inflammatory [7] activity. It has been reported that Canthin-6-one and β-carboline alkaloids were isolated from leaves of Aerva lanata. [8] The study was conducted to establish the traditional use of Aerva lanata Linn. as anti-