Antihyperglycemic and Antihyperlipidaemic Activities of Amaranthus spinosus Linn Extract on Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

The methanol extract of Amaranthus spinosus (Amaranthaceae) stem was investigated for its anti-hyperglycemic and antihyperlipidaemic effects in male Wister albino rats. Diabetes was induced in the albino rats by administration of a single dose of alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg, i.p). The methanol extract of A. spinosus (MEAS) was administered daily at single doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o to diabetes-induced rats for a period of 15 days. The effect of MEAS on blood glucose level was measured in the diabetic rats. Serum lipid profiles [total cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids (low density, very low density and high density lipoprotein)] were also determined. The activities were also compared to the effect produced by a standard anti diabetic agent, glibenclamide. The present investigation established pharmacological evidence to support the folklore claim that MEAS is an anti diabetic agent