Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia and its occurrence is increasing fast in most of the countries. Herbal medicine derived from plant extracts have been utilized increasingly for the treatment of various disorders like diabetes mellitus. The present study was designed to evaluate the anti diabetic activity of ‘Herbamed’, a herbal formulation composed of Vernonia amygdalina, Ocimum gratissimum, Zingiber officinale and Allium sativum in alloxan-induced diabetic rats model. Alloxan (150mg/kg) was used to induce diabetes in rats and the blood glucose levels were estimated by using glucometer. The herbal formulation known as ‘Herbamed’ was administered to diabetic rats for 7 days at 0.5 and 1.0mL (250mg/kg rat). The herbal formulation produced a significant reduction (P<0.05) of blood glucose levels in diabetic rats at both doses tested. It also showed a beneficial effect on the lipid profile and liver function test in alloxan induced diabetic rats. These results showed that ‘Herbamed’ exhibits antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities in diabetic rats.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; Herbal medicine; Antihyperglycemic; Alloxan; Antihyperlipidemic