ANTI-DIABETIC ACTIVITY OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF MEDICINAL PLANT RHODIOLA ROSEA L. RHIZOMES

Abstract

Rhodiola rosea L. (Crassulaceae) have been used as traditional medicines to increase physical endurance, work productivity, longevity and resistance to high altitude sickness, fatigue, depression, anaemia, impotence, gastrointestinal ailments, infections, and nervous system disorders in Russia, Scandinavia, and other countries. The objective of the study was to evaluate the anti-Diabetic activities from the methanolic extract of the rhizomes of Rhodiola rosea. Crude methanolic extract of the herb Rhodiola rosea were prepared and analyzed for its pharmacological activity. Swiss albino mice are used for the study. For the pharmacological tests, the extract of Rhodiola rosea was dissolved in 0.1% Na-CMC in normal saline solution to prepare 50 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg concentrations. Diabetes mellitus was induced with Streptozotocin injection. Evaluation of body weight, estimation of serum lipid profile and estimation of biochemical parameters and total proteins were done. The diabetic groups treated with Rhodiola rosea were compared with standard glibenclamide. The treatment with Rhodiola rosea extract at doses of 50 and 200 mg/kg by orally continue for 21 days significantly normalized elevated blood glucose level, body weight and restored serum and liver biochemical parameters towards normal values in Rhodiola rosea treated group when compared to diabetic control group. These findings point out the promising effect of Rhodiola rosea L. rhizomes as a useful anti-diabetic agent in diabetic complications.