title: Effect of active fraction isolated from the leaf extract of Dregea volubilis [Linn.] Benth. on plasma glucose concentration and lipid profile in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of active fraction from Dregea volubilis [Linn.] Benth leaves on serum glucose and lipid profile in normal and diabetic rats.
  
  
  METHODS
  Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin in wistar rats. Petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, and ethanol extracts of Dregea volubilis [Linn.] Benth leaves were administered orally at a dose of 200 mg/kg, p.o. Metformin was used as standard Anti-diabetic drug (50 mg/kg, p.o). The extract showing for higher Anti-diabetic activity was subjected to column chromatography that led to isolation of an active fraction, which was given trivial name Dv-1. Dv-1 (100 mg/kg, p.o.) was studied for its hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic potential.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ethanol extract was found to lower the Fasting blood glucose (FBG) level significantly (p < 0.05) in diabetic rats. Dv-1 caused a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in FBG level. Additionally it also caused reduction in cholesterol, triglyceride levels and improvement in the HDL level in diabetic rats.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Reduction in the FBG, cholesterol, triglyceride levels and improvement in the HDL by Dv-1 indicates that Dv-1 has Anti-diabetic activity along with anti hyperlipidemic efficacy and provides a scientific rationale for the use as an Anti-diabetic agent.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Tamil nadu 608 002 India.
authors.forename: Venkatesan
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Natarajan
authors.forename: Anton Smith
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Arul Gnana Dhas
keywords: Blood glucose; Dregea volubilis [Linn.] Benth; Hexadecenoic acid; Lipid profile