Hyperglycemic control and diabetes complication preventive activities of Bawang Dayak (Eleutherine palmifolia L. Merr.) bulbs extracts in alloxan-diabetic rats

Bawang Dayak (Eleutherine palmifolia L. Merr.) is traditionally used to cure diabetes mellitus and other diseases by Dayak tribes in Kalimantan Island, Indonesia, despite there is no scientific reports on its anti-diabetic activity both in-vitro or in-vivo. The study aimed to evaluate the ability of aqueous (EPA) and ethanolic extracts (EPE) of Eleutherine palmifolia L. Merr. bulbs to control hyperglycemic condition in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Treatment with 100 mg/kg EPA or EPE for 28 days: (1) maintained the body weight of diabetic rats similar to those of non diabetic rats, (2) significantly reduced blood serum glucose level as compared to untreated-diabetic rats, (3) significantly had higher blood serum insulin level as compared to untreated-diabetic rats, and (4) significantly had lower blood serum total cholesterol and LDL levels compared to untreated diabetic rats. The data of 1H and 2D NMR spectra of EPE revealed the existence of eleutherinoside A, eleuthoside B, and eleutherol previously reported to be present in this plant. The results of this study justify the traditional use of Eleutherine palmifolia L. Merr. bulb in the management of diabetes mellitus among Dayak tribe in Kalimantan Island, Indonesia. The anti-diabetic actions of the plant is suggested by inhibiting alpha-glucosidase which could decrease postpandrial blood glucose level, and also by repairing the damage of pancreatic beta cells, thus enhancing the insulin secretion directly.