Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities of ethanol extract of Ajuga remota Benth (Harmegusa) leaves in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

The leaves of Ajuga remota benth have been utilized traditionally for the treatment of patients with diabetes mellitus. However, its use has not been scientifically validated. The present study was therefore, aimed to assess the antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities of ethanol extract of A. remota leaves in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities of ethanol extract of A. remota leaves (AREt) were studied in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. The effect of extract on fasting blood glucose, body weight, lipid profile, serum, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, urea, creatinine and total protein were analyzed. Glibenclamide was used as standard drug. Ethanol extract of A. remota leaves has showed significant blood glucose lowering effect as compared to the diabetic control group. After diabetic rats were treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg ethanol extract of A. remota leaves for 28 days, there were a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase, and significant increase in body weight, serum total protein, high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels as compared to untreated control diabetic rats. The results of the present study showed that ethanol extract of A. remota leaves might be useful for management of diabetes mellitus and other associated abnormalities. The present study might support the traditional use of A. remota for diabetes mellitus treatment. Key words: Ajuga remota benth, diabetes mellitus, streptozotocin.