Research Article
Bamlaku Cherie Melaku, Gedefaw
Abstract
Background: Datura stramonium Linn is one of the folkloric medicines in Ethiopia and demonstrated in vitro antidiabetic activity. Thus, the current study was carried out to evaluate antidiabetic activity of hydromethanolic seed extract in mice. Methods: The seed of Datura stramonium was extract by using hydromethanol. The effect of the seed extract on blood glucose level was assessed after oral administration of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg doses in normal, oral glucose loaded and Streptozocininduced diabetic mice. Antioxidant capacity of seed extract was evaluated by using a 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay. Results: Hypoglycemic effect of all doses of seed extract was insignificant (p>0.05) in normoglycemic model but glucose reduction was significant (p<0.05 at 100 mg/kg, p<0.01 at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) with respect to negative control in oral glucose loaded mice. All doses of seed extract significantly (p<0.0l) reduced blood glucose level on day 7 and 14 in STZ induced daily treated diabetic mice compared to the negative control. At the same time, 200 and 400 mg/kg doses of seed extract significantly (p<0.05) improved body weight of diabetic mice on day 7 and 14 but 100 mg/kg dose was delayed and significantly (p<0.05) increased body weight of mice on day 14 compared to the vehicle. The finding showed that antioxidant capacity of the seed extract was concentration dependent and comparable with ascorbic acid. IC50 of the seed extract and ascorbic was found to be 11.95 and 5.07 mg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: The finding of the study showed that hydromethanolic seed extract of Datura stramonium Linn endowed significant antihyperglycemic and scavenging of free radicals.