STUDY ON ANTI-DIABETIC EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF SOME INDIGENOUS PLANTS AVAILABLE IN NORTH KARNATAKA AND THEIR INTERACTION WITH SOME HEAVY METALS

Abstract

Background: Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum, Methi), Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus Linn, Pundi), Chick pea (Cicer arietinum Linn, Chana) and Prickly lettuce (Lactuca scariola Linn, Hattaraki) leaves are few of indigenous plants which are routinely consumed by the people of north Karnataka region of India in the diet. Studies revealed on these plants noticed some potential anti-diabetic efficacies. Objectives: To evaluate the in vitro glucose reduction capabilities and anti diabetic effects of Trigonella foenum graecum, Hibiscus cannabinus Linn, Cicer arietinum Linn and Lactuca scariola Linn extracts in alloxan induced albino rats with or without Ni2+ supplementation. Also to study the anti diabetic role of these plant extracts in relationship to oxygen dependent micro environment in vivo in diabetic experimental model through diabetic regulatory molecular mechanisms analyzed by NOS3, HIF-1α and VEGF protein expressions. Further, to evaluate electrophysiological interpretation to understand functional pathophysiology of cardiovascular system and histopathology of liver, kidney, heart and aortic tissues of experimental diabetic rats were studied with the supplementation of the most efficient anti diabetic plan extract