Glucose-lowering, Hepatoprotective and Hypolipidemic Activities of Stem Bark of Ficus racemosa in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

The present study evaluated the antihyperglycemic, hepatoprotective, and hypolipidemic effects of F. racemosa bark powder and aqueous extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (n = 6) were treated with F. racemosa Linn (Moraceae) bark powder (FRP) and aqueous extract (FRAE) for six weeks. Blood glucose was determined every 15 days using a portable glucometer. At the end of the study period, the rats were sacriÞ ced and levels of serum glucose, protein, total cholesterol, triglycerides, AST, ALT, TBARS, and glutathione were determined as indicators of antihyperglycemic, hypolipidemic, and hepatoprotective activities, as well as of antioxidant potential. TBARS and glutathione levels were determined in the liver and the kidneys also. Both the bark powder and aqueous extract of F. racemosa bark caused a signiÞ cant reduction (P ≤ 0.05) in blood glucose (54 and 66% respectively). A signiÞ cant reduction (P ≤ 0.05) was also observed in serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels to the control levels. The aqueous extract was more effective and caused a signiÞ cant reduction (P ≤ 0.05) in TBARS, AST, ALT levels compared to untreated diabetic rats. However, it did not reach control levels. A signiÞ cant increase in glutathione concentrations over the control levels was also observed in rats treated with F. racemosa bark. It is concluded that F. racemosa bark has a signiÞ cant hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective effect besides being a potent antihyperglycemic agent.