Global Journal of Biotechnology & Biochemistry 4 (1): 37-42, 2009 ISSN 2078-466X © IDOSI Publications, 2009 Corresponding Author: Pankaj K. Mishra c /o Dr. Veeru Prakash, Department of Biochemistry and Biochemical Technology , Allahabad Agricultural Institute, Deemed University Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh-211007, India. 37 Antidiabetic and Hypolipidemic Activity of Gymnema sylvestre in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats Grijesh Kumar Mall, Pankaj Kishor Mishra and Veeru Prakash * Department of Biochemistry and Biochemical Technology, Allahabad Agricultural Institute-Deemed University, Allahabad-211007, India Abstract: The concerned study reveals the experimental investigation of the biological activity of Gymnema sylvestre r.br. Ex schult (Family: Asclepiadaceae) used as a traditional antidiabetic and hypolipidemic agent in past and present culture. To study the effect of Gymnema sylvestre in both normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats. The aqueous leaf extract of Gymnema sylvestre at the dose of 400, 600 and 800 mg kg body weight was 1 administered orally once a day to the groups for 30 days. The fasting blood glucose, cholesterol, HDL- cholesterol and serum triglyceride content were estimated in both normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats. The fasting blood glucose, cholesterol and serum triglyceride content were found to be significantly reduced (p<0.05) in treated rats whereas the extract also showed the potent elevation in the level of serum HDL- cholesterol. The study reveals that Gymnema sylvestre has significant antidiabetic activity and a hypolipidemic activity in alloxan induced and normal fasting rats. The extract seems promising for the development of a phytomedicine for diabetes mellitus. Key words: Antidiabetic Diabetes mellitus Gymnema sylvestre Hypolipidemic activity INTRODUCTION increase enzyme activity responsible for the glucose Diabetes mellitus is syndrome, initially characterized function, increase -cell number and increase insulin by a loss of glucose homeostasis resulting from defects release by increasing cell permeability to insulin [6]. Drug in insulin secretion, insulin action both resulting impaired interaction occurs from the additive effect when used metabolism of glucose and other energy-yielding fuels concomitantly with hypolipidemic agent. Hence in the such as lipids and protein [1]. Diabetes mellitus is a present study an attempt is made to elucidate the possible common disorder among the Indian population. It is antidiabetic and hypolipidemic activity of Gymnema estimated that diabetes would affect approximately sylvestre aqueous leaf extract on both normal and alloxan 57 million people by the year 2025 [2]. Therapeutic options induced diabetic rats. for diabetes are diet, exercise, oral hypoglycemic drugs and insulin therapy. Plant drugs are frequently considered MATERIALS AND METHODS to be less toxic and free from side effects than synthetic one [3]. Plant Material: The leaves of G. sylvestre were collected Although, there are numerous traditional medicinal from Auraon Research Centre, Botanical garden of plants reported to have antidiabetic and hypoglycemic National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow. The plant properties [4]. A member of the milkweed family leaves were air dried under shed at 25°C and the dried (Family: Asclepiadaceae) Gymnema sylvestre r.br. Ex leaves were made in to a fine powder with an auto-mix schult is a woody plant found in tropical forests of India blender. The powder was kept in deep freezer until the and Africa has been proven as antidiabetic drug [5]. time of use. The medicinally active parts of the plant are the leaves and the roots although the exact mechanism is unknown. Preparation of Aqueous Extract: One hundred grams of Besides impairing the ability to discriminate sweet taste, dry fine powder was suspended in 250 ml of water for two uptake and utilization. It may stimulate pancreatic -cell