Antidiabetic, Antihyperlipidemic and Protective Effect of Cupressus sempervirens L. Leaves Extract in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

Background: In the conventional Indian medical system, Cupressus sempervirens L., a member of the Cupressaceae family, is highly significant. C. sempervirens is a traditional medicinal plant; has been reported in the literature that the dried leaves are used as a contraceptive and to treat inflammation, diabetes, stomach pain, toothaches, and laryngitis. Hence, the present study is planned to evaluate antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic and protective effect of C. sempervirens leaves extract in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: The HPLC analysis of the ethanolic plant extract was followed by an in vivo antidiabetic activity. In order to evaluate antidiabetic measures such as body weight, urine volume, blood glucose level, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and lipid profile as antihypertensive parameters, the Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus in a rat model is being investigated for in vivo activity. Results: The presence of phenolic acid, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoid, and steroids was identified by HPLC analysis of the ethanol extract. Gallic and tannic acids were identified in the phenolic components. The animals in each group having received samples were observed on days 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20, and several parameters were assessed. A significant effect is observed within the group of ethanolic extract. According to histopathological study of pancreatic and liver tissue, the damaged structure of the pancreas and liver was improved by treatment with a larger dose of ethanolic extract. Conclusion: Scientific evidence for their use in antidiabetic therapy is provided by the ethanolic extract, which produced a significant antidiabetic effect.