Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Gymnema sylvestre Ameliorates Hyperglycemia and Pancreatic Oxidative Stress in Alloxan induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a serious metabolic disorder with altered carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. In the last four decades, India has emerged as an epicenter of the global diabetes mellitus pandemic. Rapid changes in the developmental scenario, demographic changes, and living style in the Indian subcontinent have led to the explosive increase in diabetes. Present research probes with ethanolic extract of Gymnema sylvestre (500 mg/kg.b.w) for treatment of hyperglycemia and related oxidative stress caused by Alloxan (100 mg/kg.b.wt), as a diabetogenic agent. 25 rats were included in the research divided into 5 groups, each containing 5 rats. Group 1 (normal rats), Group II (Diabetic rats (DM), Group III (DM+ treated for 10 days), Group IV (DM+20 days treated), Group V (DM+30 days treated). Blood samples and pancreatic tissues were collected at each interval of time. The blood sample was used for biochemical parameter and tissues were used for the anti-oxidant assay. Gymnema sylvestre extract (GSE) showed glucose-lowering property meanwhile, insulin secretion also increased as compared to Diabetic rats. Other tests like amylase, lipase, ALT, and AST also showed significant recovery after the extract administration. Oxidative stress was found in the Diabetic group, but after extract treatment concentration of superoxide dismutase, Glutathione-S-transferase, catalase, Glutathione peroxidase, Glutathione, and Total thiol was regained. Imbalance in serum electrolyte recovered and dysregulated hematological parameters due to stress and hyperglycemia showed convincing results. The finding suggests Gymnema sylvestre could be used as a hypoglycemic as well as an anti-oxidant agent in diabetes.