Anti-Diabetic Potential of Alstonia scholaris Bark Extract Against Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes Mellitus

Background and Objective: Traditionally different parts of Alstonia scholaris are well known for their widespread medicinal properties. In this study anti-diabetic potential of ethanolic extract of Aistonia scholaris bark extract (ASEE) was performed against streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats. Materials and Methods: Animals were categorized into five groups (n = 6) with a treatment period of 30 days. The 1st group was given saline and 2nd group was treated with streptozotocin (50 mg kg(-1)) and were considered normal control and diabetic control, respectively. The third group was treated with glibenclamide 5 mg kg(-1) (standard drug), 4th and 5th groups were treated with 200 and 400 mg kg(-1) doses of ASEE and termed as high and low doses, respectively. Before administration of treatment, all the groups except normal control were intra peritonea Ily injected with streptozotocin (50 mg kg(-1)) to induce diabetes. Blood sugar level was evaluated on weekly basis and 24 hrs after the last treatment different biochemical parameters and histopathological examinations were carried out to determine the anti-diabetic potential of ASEE. Results: Upon treatment with ASEE, a dose-dependent significant improvement in blood glucose level and serum lipid profile was observed when compared to control groups. Histopathological findings revealed improvement in the regeneration of beta-cell of the pancreas in extract-treated rats. Conclusion: Ethanolic extract of Aistonia scholaris bark possesses anti-diabetic potential in an animal experimental model in a dose-dependent manner.