Aqueous Extract of Anabasis aretioides Ameliorates Streptozotocininduced Diabetes Mellitus in Rats

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of the aqueous extract of Anabasis aretioides (A. aretioides) on blood glucose levels and lipid metabolism in normal and streptozotocin- induced diabetic rat. Methods: The effect of A. aretioides aerial part aqueous extract (A.P.A.E) (5 mg/kg) on blood glucose levels was investigated in normal and streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats (n=6). A preliminary screening for various bioactive constituents was realized and the antioxidant potential of the aqueous extract was also demonstrated. The histopathological changes in liver and pancreas have been evaluated both in normal and STZ diabetic rats. Key Findings: Both single and oral administration of the A.P.A.E (5 mg/kg) caused a significant reduction on blood glucose levels in STZ rats (p<0.0001). Moreover, the preliminary phytochemical screening of A. aretioides A.P.A.E has demonstrated the presence of polyphenols, tannins, saponins, mucilage, sterol, sesquiterpenes, terpenoids, carbohydrates and glycosides. Conclusion: We conclude that A. aretioides aqueous extract exhibits antihyperglycemic activity.