Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities of aqueous extract of flowers from Nycantus arbor-tristis L. in male mice

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Background: Boiled aqueous extract of flowers (AEF) from Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. are used in Sri Lankan traditional Ayruvedic Medicine to manage diabetes meilitus. AEF has widely been used as a folk medicine for the treatment of . various ailments due to its therapeutic activity. However, little is known concerning therapeutic activity of-the extract as well as its underline mechanisms and safety. Diabetes is known to increase low-density cholesterol and decrease high-density cholesterol thus triggering coronary diseases. Hence, the primary objective of the present study is to investigate the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities of the AEF. Methods: AEF was prepared and male mice (n = 9 group) were gavaged either with 250,500 and 750 mg/kg of AEF or distilled water (DW). Subsequently, fasting and random blood glucose concentrations were determined. To investigate mechanisms of actions of AEF, animals were orally administered with 500 mg/kg or the vehicle (DW) and glucose tolerance was performed before and after glucose challenge. For further studies, in w'rro alpha-amylase assay and glucose absorption from the gastrointestinal tract were performed using 500 mg/kg of the extract. Additionally, i glycogen content in the liver and skeletal muscles, a complete lipid profile assay, and toxicological and biochemical parameters were conducted after a chronic study. Results: Five hundred mg/kg and 750'mg/kg of AEF significantly (p < 0.01) reduced fasting blood glucose levels . respectively by 49 and 39 % at 4 h post-treatment, while 500 mg/kg of AEF also decreased the random blood glucose level significantly (p <0.01) by 32 %.at 4 h post-treatment. AEF significantly inhibited glucose absorption by 85 % from i the intestine and increased diaphragm; uptake of glucose by 54 %. The extract also exhibited inhibition (16.66 % ) of alpha-amylase enzyme activity. It also decreased the level of total cholesterol (by 44.8 %), triglyceride (by 53 % ) and increased (by 57 % ) the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Treatment with AEF did not induce any overt signs of : toxicity or hepatotoxicity. Conclusion: Results the present study indicated that AEF possess hypoglycemic and hypolipdemic properties. . Therefore, AEF could be used as an alternative medicine in management of diabetes meilitus.