Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International

Based on ethnobotonical approaches the ethanolic extract of the plant Sida spinosa Linn. has been traditionally claimed to have hypoglycemic properties.
Aim: Evaluation of Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activity of ethanolic (SSE) and aqueous (SSA) extracts of Sida spinosa Linn. root in Streptozotocin- induced diabetic rats.
Materials and Methods: SSE & SSA were subjected to acute toxicity studies (OECD guidelines). Diabetes was induced by Streptozotocin (45 mg/kg i.v). Normal and diabetic rats were divided into different groups and orally administered with SSE, SSA (200 and 400 mg/kg) and Glibenclamide (10 mg/kg) for 30 days. The study includes tolerance of oral glucose, estimation of serum insulin and insulin tolerance in diabetic rats, lipid profile and histopathological study.
Results: Ethanolic extract has reduced serum glucose levels to maximum of 40.73%. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) showed SSE, SSA (400 mg/kg) and Glibenclamide caused a significant antihyperglycemic effect with a reduction of 57.34%, 46.77% and 60.77% respectively after 120 min of glucose load. Both extracts were efficient in reducing the lipid parameters such as serum triglycerides, serum total cholesterol, LDL-c and VLDL-c to normal values and there was a marked rise in HDL-c level as compared to diabetic control group.
Conclusion: Results indicate that Sida spinosa Linn. Root possesses potent antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activity.