title: Pharmacodynamic studies on the isolated active fraction of Acacia farnesiana (L.) willd.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Acacia farnesiana is a medicinal plant that grows throughout tropical parts of Indian subcontinent, particularly in sandy soils of river beds in Northern India. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the anti-hyperglycemic activity of the extracts using glucose tolerance test. Isolation of an active fraction (AF) from the active extract (water extract) using alcohol precipitation and to get insight to the mechanism of action of the AF of A. farnesiana.
  
  
  METHODS
  Glucose uptake by isolated rat diaphragm of the AF was performed. Further the effect of release of Insulin from isolated and cultured pancreatic β-cell was determined. Besides, effect of oral administration of the AF was compared with that of intraperitonial administration. The effect of AF on serum glucose levels in orally glucose loaded rats was compared with that of intraperitoneal glucose loaded rats.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The water extract significantly lowered the blood glucose level. When precipitated with alcohol, the activity was found in the soluble fraction. Glucose uptake in the isolated rat hemidiaphragm, was increased by the AF at 40 μg/ml concentration, the AF did not significantly influence insulin release from cultured islets. The AF was found to be effective in orally glucose loaded in contrast to intraperitonial route.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings suggest that this plant is promising for further studies leading to the development of valuable medicine for diabetes.
authors.affiliation: Division of Phytochemistry and Phytopharmacology, Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India ; Centre for Advanced Research in Indian System of Medicine, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India ; School of Pharmacy, Allianze University College of Medical Sciences, Waziria Medical Square, Jalan Bertam, Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Bino
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kingsley
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy, Allianze University College of Medical Sciences, Waziria Medical Square, Jalan Bertam, Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Saminathan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kayarohanam
authors.affiliation: Centre for Advanced Research in Indian System of Medicine, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Pemaiah
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Brindha
authors.affiliation: Division of Phytochemistry and Phytopharmacology, Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
authors.forename: Appian
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Subramoniam
keywords: Acacia farnesiana; active fraction; diabetes mellitus; glucose tolerance test