DOSAGE RESPONSE OF PIMPINELLA TIRUPATIENSIS TUBEROUS ROOT EXTRACT ON HYPERGLYCEMIC CONDITION IN STZ- INDUCED DIABETIC RATS WITH REFERENCES TO SHORT AND LONG TERM TREATMENT

Objectives : To evaluate the antidiabetic effect of three extractions [ n -Hexane ( n -HE), ethyl alcohol (EAE) and aqueous extract (AE)] of Pimpinella tirupatiensis ( Pt ) tuberous root on the fasting blood glucose (FBG) level of rats during streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes. Methods : Experimental diabetes was induced by intra peritoneal injection of STZ (40 mg/kg b.w.). FBG level was determined at 0 hour (before extract [DS1]  administration), 1st, 3rd 5th and 7th hour (after extract administration) by using electronic glucometer (accucheck). Results : We observed, AE showed a maximum efficacy with a dosage of 750 mg/ kg b.w. at 5 th hour which is about 49% reduction in FBG level over zero time values. Hence, we have selected 750 mg dose of AE of Pt to investigate the long term effect on down regulation of blood glucose level. Oral administration of AE (750 mg/kg b.w./day) for 30 days showed a significant antihyperglycemic effect in diabetic rats. However, no significant changes were noticed in blood glucose level in normal rats treated with AE alone. It seems AE considerably reduced the blood glucose concentration in a similar manner to that of reference drug glibenclamide (20 mg/kg b.w.) in diabetic rats. Conclusion : These results suggest that Pimpinella tirupatiensis aqueous extract is beneficial in the control of diabetes by reduction of blood glucose levels.