PROTECTIVE PROFILE OF CITRULLUS COLOCYNTHIS ROOT EXTRACTS ON LIPID PROFILE STATUS IN STZ CHALLENGED RATS

Diabetes mellitus is one of the widespread and severe metabolic disorders in humans all over the world. It is initially characterized by a loss of glucose homeostasis resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action or both resulting in impaired glucose metabolism and other energy-yielding fuels such as lipids and proteins. The association of hyperglycemia with altered lipid parameters presents a major risk for all cardiovascular diseases. In recent years, there has been an increased inclination towards herbal drugs due to the trend towards the natural sources and healthy lifestyle. The present study was designed to evaluate the potential antihyperlipidemic efficacy of Citrullus colocynthis roots in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by giving streptozotocin (35-50mg/kg) intraperitoneally. The aqueous and ethanolic root extracts of Citrullus colocynthis (AECC and EECC) were administered at a dose of 100, 200, 300 mg/kg orally. Metformin was given as a standard drug at a dose of 50mg/kg orally. The fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels were estimated by the glucose oxidase method. Serum insulin levels were measured and found a distinguish raise in the insulin levels in extract treated groups. The plasma levels of cholesterol (CH), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) were estimated and found to be significantly (p<0.0001) lowered in extract treated diabetic rats. The results showed that the present study provided a rationale for the use of Citrullus colocynthis root extracts as antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic agent.