Antidiabetic and anti-hypercholesterolemic effects of aerial parts of Sida cordifolia Linn. on Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The present study was under taken to establish the potential of Sida cordifolia Linn. (Family—Malvaceae) as anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hypercholesterolemic agent. The effects of the methanol and aqueous extracts on oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) as well as effect of the aqueous extract (AE) on Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic model were studied. Anti-diabetic activity was compared with clinically available drug Metformin. In OGTT, administration of methanol (ME) and AE at 500, 750 and 1000 mg/kg, respectively to normal rats showed a dose depended check on the rise of serum glucose level in comparison to control group. Maximum reduction was observed with AE at dose level 1000 mg/kg. In STZ model, the degree of protection was evaluated by fasting serum glucose level at 0, 7, 14 and 21 day of study. The body weight, lipid profile and liver glycogen level were also evaluated at 21 day. Administration of AE (1000 mg/kg, b.w.) to diabetic rats showed a significant (P<0.05) glucose lowering effect on 7, 14 and 21 day. Further, a significant improvement (P<0.05) in lipid profile, glycogen content and check on the loss of body weight was also observed. These results could explain the basis for the use of this plant extract to manage serum glucose level and cholesterolemia associated with diabetes mellitus.