IN-VITRO AND IN-VIVOANTI-OXIDANT AND ANTI-DIABETIC EVALUATION OF CLADODES CRUDE EXTRACT AND SOLVENT FRACTIONS OF OPUNTIA ELATIOR MILL (CACTACEAE)

Objective: Ariel part of Opuntia elatior (Cactaceae) has been used in folklore health systems to treat diabetes in America, Mexico, and India. However, the anti-diabetic potential of cladodes of this medicinal plant is not scientifically validated and authenticated. The present study aimed to evaluate in-vitro and in-vivo anti-oxidant and anti-diabetic potential of methanol extracts and solvent fractions of O. elatior cladodes. Methods: The methanol extracts and solvent fractions of Opuntia elatior cladodes were evaluated at different concentrations (12.5-400 µg/ml) for anti-oxidant activity by using DPPH method and different doses (200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) for anti-diabetic potentials in staptozotocin induced diabetic albino rats. The extracts were administered for three weeks in different groups. Results: The acute toxicity study of Opuntia elatior cladodes extract, and fractions did not show mortality in the animals at the limit dose of 2000mg/kg during the observation period. The outcome of the present study indicates that extract and different fraction shows potential anti-oxidant activity. Cladodes also extract significantly decreases elevated level of blood glucose in dose dependant manner and also caused to reverse of the cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, and LDL values when compared to untreated diabetic rats. Conclusions: The result indicates the beneficial effects of Opuntia elatior cladodes extract by inhibiting α–amylase, α–glucosidase, scavenging diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals and improving serum lipid profile levels. The cladodes crude extract of Opuntia elatior are effective in lowering blood glucose and improving insulin levels in diabetic rats. The claimed traditional use as anti-diabetic has scientific ground.